Echoes of July: a book fair painted in revolution

DHAKA – This year’s Amar Ekushey Boi Mela has been adorned with the colours of revolution. The fair is decorated in red, black, and white — the colors symbolising rebellion, mourning, and hope. The visual landscape of the fair encapsulates the memories of the July uprising.

A special arch has been erected at the main gate of Bangla Academy for the book fair. On one side, there is an image of Mir Mughdo holding bottles of water, while the other features an image of Abu Sayed standing resolutely.

At the top, the central theme of the book fair has been inscribed — “July Gono-Obbhutthan: Natun Bangladesh Binirman”.

Several students were seen taking pictures at this arch yesterday afternoon. Some stood still, gazing at it in contemplation.

One such student, Mohiuddin Ahmed said, “Those times [July Movement] were terrible. A man has been martyred for a movement against an autocratic government. I’m taking pictures as a tribute to them.”

Md Alam echoed the same.

Posters showing iconic moments from the uprising were also featured, showing — Golam Nafiz hanging off the side of a rickshaw with a flag tied to his head; the memorable day when students and citizens gathered at the Shaheed Minar; and the iconic salute of a rickshaw puller.

Inside the fair there are two stalls — one by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and another by the July Revolution Council.

Rakibul Hasan Raj, one of the stall managers, said the proceeds from books sold at the stall would be used to support the families of martyrs and those injured.

Nahid Islam, information adviser and a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, visited the stall yesterday.

Meanwhile, yesterday, a book launching event was held in the Shamsur Rahman Seminar Hall of Bangla Academy for “Songbadpatre July Obbhutthan”. The book, published by Adarsha, has been edited by Ahammad Foyez, journalist and senior assistant press secretary to the chief adviser.

The event’s chief guest was Nahid Islam, while the special guest was Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the CA.