'Shrabon Bidroho' documentary renews the pledge of July Uprising

The premiere of the documentary 'Shrabon Bidroho' (Monsoon Rebellion) was held on Monday evening at the Bangladesh National Museum and Sufia Kamal Auditorium, drawing a full house and stirring deep emotion among attendees. The 30-minute film, directed by Arifur Rahman and produced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, chronicles the events and sacrifices of the July 2024 anti-quota reform movement.

The screening began with a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs. Among the audience were family members of those killed or injured during the uprising, including the father of martyr Abu Sayeed, Mokbul Hossain, who shared his grief:

My son was the light of our home.” Holding back tears, he spoke about his son's brilliance and determination—how Saeed supported himself through tutoring and earned his honors degree with pride. “I thought he’d get a job and take care of us that dream died with him.” His words cast a solemn atmosphere over the premiere.

Also present were the mother of slain journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo, Shamshi Ara Zaman, and the father of martyr Shrabon Gazi. Their testimonies brought many in the audience to tears. Zaman, speaking of her son’s passion for reading and justice, urged the government to improve journalists’ working conditions and expedite the trials of those responsible for the killings.

Several high-profile advisers from the interim government attended the event, including, Dr. Asif Nazrul (Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs), Adilur Rahman Khan (Housing and Public Works), Mostofa Sarwar Farooki(Cultural Affairs), Mahfuz Alam (Information and Broadcasting) and Information Secretary Begum Mahbuba Farzana.

Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam focused on the importance of remembering the martyrs and the ongoing pursuit of a truly democratic state.

"The young generation and people from all walks of life in Bangladesh were victims and successfully worked to overthrow fascist rule, an achievement they are proud of," he said.

He added that the purpose of holding events, including through films and other media, is to repeatedly remember the martyrs, their families, and those active in the movement. "This serves as a reminder of their responsibilities as ordinary citizens."

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul provided insight into the legal and justice processes, particularly concerning ongoing trials.

He confirmed that the trials of the July uprising are "fully complete."

"A significant challenge is the Awami League, which possesses vast financial resources and will meticulously investigate every detail of the trials to mislead both the global community and the people of Bangladesh," Asif said.

He added that justice will be delivered before the election.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki delved into the cultural dimensions of Bangladesh's struggle, the power of truth and narrative, and the role of public unity for the nation's future.

"The ultimate hope is that after 16 years of oppression and looting, Bangladesh will move towards a new future if everyone remains united," he said.

The documentary features interviews with student leaders and intellectuals, including Mahfuz Alam, Nahid Islam, Umama Fatema, Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakr Mojumdar, Badruddin Umar, Anu Muhammad, and Salimullah Khan. It opens with a haunting shot of a child’s swing at the home of six-year-old martyr Riya Gop, who was killed by police fire on July 24, 2024.

Director Arifur Rahman shared the emotional challenges of filming, recounting how Riya’s family initially refused to allow shooting unless their daughter could be brought back.

“We waited outside all day. That single shot of the swaying swing became the soul of the film.”

PIB Director General Faruq Wasif announced that the documentary will be subtitled in eight languages—including English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Turkish—for international release.