NCP walks out of state programme over documentary controversy

The Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) boycotted a state programme organised to mark the July Mass Uprising Day, raising objections to a documentary screened at the event. The party alleged that the documentary failed to adequately portray the chronology of the July uprising and the sacrifices of the martyrs.

The incident took place on Wednesday, August 5, at a discussion meeting and reception for families of martyrs and July fighters at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka. The President was present at the event.

Shortly after the documentary was screened, several family members of martyrs and a section of July fighters expressed dissatisfaction over its content. They claimed that key chapters of the July uprising, various events of the movement, and the contributions of the martyrs were not fully reflected in the documentary. Tensions arose in the auditorium for some time.

To calm the situation, the Liberation War Affairs Minister first called on everyone present to remain restrained. Later, at the request of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Akhtar Hossain, one of the leaders of the movement and a leader of the NCP, spoke. While he assured that the matter would be resolved through discussions with concerned parties, he also raised his objections to various aspects of the documentary.

The Liberation War Affairs Minister then acknowledged some shortcomings in the documentary and expressed regret. He said the documentary would be reviewed again, taking into account the opinions of family members of martyrs and representatives of July fighters. He added that steps would be taken to make it more comprehensive through necessary additions and revisions.

However, in his subsequent formal speech, Akhtar Hossain again raised the same allegations. Later, with the permission of the President, he left the venue along with other NCP leaders and activists. Although NCP representatives boycotted the programme, the remainder of the state programme was completed as per the scheduled agenda.