Dhaka: A new book compiling the graffiti and artworks of the July Mass Uprising, authored by journalist GM Rajib Hossain, was launched today at the Jatiya Press Club, coinciding with the ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025. The 144-page book, titled ‘Droher Graffiti: Chobisher Gono Obhyutthan,’ contains images of 161 selected graffiti and artworks on walls in the capital and other major cities, each accompanied by a brief background as captions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi launched the book as the chief guest at the ceremony. The event also featured Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam as the special guest. Rajib, who serves as the deputy chief news editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), dedicated the book to the martyrs and wounded of the Uprising, highlighting the graffiti campaign’s role in boosting the July-August 2024 Uprising against autocracy amid significant challenges.
The book includes two prefaces by notable figures: Dhaka University professor and Media Reform Commission member Dr. Gitiara Nasreen, and poet and writer Mahbub Morshed, who is also the BSS Managing Director and Chief Editor. BSS photojournalist Yeahia Shamim captured the photographs compiled in the book.
Rizvi praised the publication and stressed the importance of preserving the history of the July uprising through creative works such as books, poems, and movies. He highlighted the pivotal role of artworks and graffiti in the uprising, noting the essential nature of cultural involvement in any revolution.
Rizvi also questioned the stance of leading cultural figures in the country, who he alleged supported the regime of Sheikh Hasina, drawing parallels to figures who supported Hitler and Mussolini in the past. Shafiqul Alam emphasized the necessity of documenting the uprising through preserving its graffiti and artworks and urged continued efforts to present the regime’s brutality.
Alam argued that those who view the July uprising as a brief campaign are mistaken, as it emerged from 15 years of struggle. He warned that stopping the fight against oppression would allow its return. Alam also referenced historical oppression during Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s rule, accusing the ousted regime of attempting to erase history.
In his address, Mahbub Morshed underscored the importance of preserving the movement’s artworks and graffiti for future generations, citing Milan Kundera’s view on memory’s role in resisting power. He stressed the need to keep the uprising’s spirit alive through conservation efforts.
Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury reflected on the unprecedented role of graffiti during the movement, describing it as a powerful tool against autocracy and a call for humanitarian reforms.
The event also featured speeches from JPC President Hasan Hafiz, Bangla daily Amar Desh Executive Editor Syed Abdal Ahmed, journalist Kazi Rawnak Hossain, and Deputy Secretary and 25th BCS (All Cadre) Forum President Nurul Karim Bhuiyan. Junan Nashit, deputy chief news editor of BSS, conducted the event.