Uprising a renewal of 71’s spirit: Farooki

Cultural Adviser Mostafa Sarwar Farooki highlighted that the student-led uprising of 2024 symbolised a renewal of the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War.
Speaking at a press conference held today at the Secretariat, Farooki emphasised the need for unity and inclusivity in the nation. “No one can be segregated based on religion here. We must move forward together with diverse beliefs, religions, and languages,” he said.
Farooki underscored that the essence of independence was about nation-building in Bangladesh’s own way — a vision that he believes was never fully realised. “The term ‘spirit of the Liberation War’ has been overused and diluted over time, leading to the uprising in 2024,” he remarked.
At the press conference, Farooki unveiled seven key initiatives of the Ministry of Culture aimed at rejuvenating the country’s cultural landscape.
One prominent programme, titled “Remembering the Monsoon Revolution,” will commemorate the uprising through various creative platforms. Farooki announced that eight leading Bangladeshi filmmakers will hold visual content-making workshops in each of the country’s eight divisions, focusing on the July uprising.
The ministry also plans to produce a music album featuring contemporary artists reimagining songs by national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam to inspire the nation’s youth. Additionally, a nationwide talent hunt will foster cultural renewal, while the Bangla Academy will organise creative writing workshops.
Latiful Islam Shibli, executive director of the Kabi Nazrul Institute, addressed the evolving perception of national icons. “Over the past 15 years, Rabindranath Tagore and Bangabandhu have been elevated to almost divine status, overshadowing their human attributes. It’s time to bring them back to the realm of humanity,” he said.
Shibli announced plans to establish a Nazrul Mancha (stage) in Kuakata and a Bidrohi Chattar (Rebel Square) near Rabindra Sarobar in Dhaka to honor these iconic figures alongside others who have contributed to the nation’s heritage.
Syed Jamil Ahmed, director general of the Shilpakala Academy, stressed the importance of inclusivity in cultural recognition. “While Rabindranath and Bangabandhu have been celebrated as heroes, others have been overlooked. Moving forward, everyone will receive their due recognition,” he said.
The outlined initiatives include: Remembering the Monsoon Revolution; Festival of Youth; Nationwide Talent Hunt; Digital Oral History Project; Creative Writing Workshops and Research by Bangla Academy; Modern Video Projection System at the National Museum; Show-Creator Workshop.
These programmes aim to celebrate Bangladesh’s diverse cultural heritage and empower the youth to shape the nation’s cultural future.