TDS Desk

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mustafa Sarwar Farooki has said that the 2024 student-public uprising signifies a renewal of the Liberation War’s spirit.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Secretariat on Thursday, Farooki outlined seven priority initiatives of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

He emphasized that the true essence of independence, “building the country in our own way,” had been neglected, leading to this year’s uprising.

Farooki said: “The term spirit of the Liberation War has been overused and hollowed out. Independence was about inclusivity and freedom for all, but this vision was not realized. That is why the 2024 uprising occurred.”

He stressed the importance of national unity, saying: “This country belongs to everyone. No one can be discriminated against based on religion. We aim to move forward embracing diversity in views, faiths, and languages.”

Farooki also criticized former Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen’s remarks about seeking Indian support for the Awami League’s return to power, calling it a “complete circus.”

Farooki unveiled plans for the Remembering the Monsoon Revolution project, which will commemorate the July uprising through visual storytelling. Eight leading filmmakers will conduct workshops across eight divisions to create content on the uprising.

Additionally, the ministry will release a music album featuring national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s songs performed by prominent young artists. Other initiatives include nationwide talent hunts, cultural festivals, and creative writing workshops by the Bangla Academy to inspire the country’s youth.

At the press conference, Md Latiful Islam Shibli, executive director of the Kazi Nazrul Institute, remarked that Rabindranath Tagore and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had been elevated to “god-like” status over the past 15 years. He stressed the need to “bring them back to the realm of humanity.”

Shibli also lamented the neglect of Kazi Nazrul Islam, promising grassroots-level programs in his honor, including the construction of a Nazrul stage in Kuakata and a “Bidrohi Square” at Rabindra Sarobar in Dhaka.

Addressing concerns about the government’s approach, Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, admitted that previous administrations overly focused on Bangabandhu and Rabindranath.

“Other contributors were sidelined. From now on, everyone will be acknowledged according to their contributions,” he said.