Revolutionary slogans capture attention at book fair

At the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025, one of the most striking elements for visitors has been the posters displaying slogans from Bangladesh’s largest-ever mass uprising, which took place in 2024. These posters, featuring revolutionary messages, have been seen at various key locations from Shahbagh intersection to the entrances of Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan.

The book fair has been designed to reflect the spirit of the uprising, with themes of revolution, mourning, and hope represented through the colors red, black, and white. The visual setting of the fair showcases the memories of the movement, with a special arch erected at the main entrance of Bangla Academy. On one side of the arch, a portrait of Mir Mughdho holding water is displayed, while on the other side, Abu Sayeed is shown standing with pride. The arch also features imagery of clenched fists leading a march and scenes of wounded protesters being carried to safety. At the top of the arch, the main theme of this year’s book fair is inscribed: "July Uprising: Building a New Bangladesh."

Upon entering the Bangla Academy section of the book fair, visitors are immediately drawn to large digital prints of newspaper pages showcasing pivotal moments of the movement. The accompanying slogans transport onlookers back to the intense days of bloodshed, sacrifice, and resistance. A special section of the fair, named "July Square," has been dedicated to immortalizing the memories of the uprising.

Powerful Slogans That Stand Out

Some of the most eye-catching slogans displayed at the book fair include:
"The spirit of ‘52, the inspiration of ‘24."
"A pledge to resist injustice—July 2024."
"Revolution is the awakening of mass consciousness."
"The wall of fear has crumbled; the tide has risen—students and the people united."
"A country bought with the blood of martyrs does not belong to any one person."
"Compromise or struggle? Struggle, struggle!"
"We demand state reform!"
"This spring, we will rise in numbers twice as strong!"
"My brother is in the grave—why is the killer free?"
"If you are afraid, you are finished. If you stand up, you are Bangladesh."
"Our march has never rested in fear or destruction, and it never will."
"Down with dictatorship—leave Bangladesh immediately!"
"Uproot fascism and establish a new political order!"
"Why did they kill our sons?"
"They eat our food, they live among us, yet they shoot us in the chest."
"When a nation unites, history paves a new path."
"A mass uprising proves that ultimate power belongs to the people!"

Authors, Visitors, and Stall Workers Speak Out

When asked about the impact of the slogan posters, visitor Moazzem Hossain stated, "People were previously unable to move freely; now they are. These slogans express the thoughts, protests, and anger of students. The intensity of public resentment against Sheikh Hasina is evident from these posters."

Mashid Hossain, who manages The Royal Publishers stall, shared his thoughts: "The posters are truly inspiring. The sacrifices made by students and the general public led to the success of the mass uprising, and these posters serve as a tribute to that victory."

Poet Mridul Mahbub, speaking to Views Bangladesh, highlighted how the book fair has taken on a new narrative: "The book fair represents the national consciousness. Every country has its historical achievements, its own culture, and its beliefs. For nearly 15 years, the book fair was molded to support a certain family-oriented narrative that sustained oppression. However, the July uprising shattered that enforced narrative, marking the people's victory over false history and injustice."

Mahbub praised the initiative of displaying slogan posters, saying, "Just as this nation founded Bangladesh in 1971, it overthrew tyranny in 2024 in its pursuit of true democracy. To solidify this new political reality, we must construct a fresh narrative. The prominence of the July spirit in this year's book fair is a great initiative. However, historical connections must be drawn more effectively. There is a strong link between the events of July 2024 and the national unity of 1971, which could have been portrayed more vividly."

He added, "This is the first book fair since the July uprising. I am hopeful that in the coming years, those involved will refine and enhance this representation. Through this, we can shape the narrative of the new Bangladesh."

During the inaugural ceremony of the book fair, Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, welcomed attendees by stating, "With the July uprising, Bangladesh has embarked on a new journey toward liberation. Inspired by the spirit of Ekushey, we have strived to organize an inclusive book fair that aligns with the aspirations of the people."