Umama Fatema slams attempt to controversialise July Uprising anniversary

Former spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Umama Fatema, has condemned efforts to create controversy around the anniversary of the July Uprising by drawing false comparisons with the 1971 Liberation War.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday from her verified account, Umama Fatema described such efforts as “a disgraceful attempt” aimed at undermining the significance of both historic events.

“Bangladesh was born through the Liberation War of 1971, and the 2024 uprising marked the fall of a 17-year autocratic regime. Our nation’s history is shaped by the people’s struggles,” she said.

Referring to a widely shared photo — reportedly distributed by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir — Umama expressed strong condemnation. “This image shows utter disrespect to the blood of our countless martyrs and the spirit of the July Uprising. Attempting to pit the July Uprising against 1971 is a vile effort to distort history,” she added.

Umama Fatema served as the central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement during the mass uprising in July last year and later became its spokesperson. She resigned from the organization last month.