Documentary Sparks Uproar at Presidential Ceremony

A state ceremony marking July Mass Uprising Day 2026 was disrupted by protests and heated exchanges after the screening of a documentary that attendees alleged contained historical inaccuracies regarding key events and figures associated with the July movement.

The programme began at noon on Wednesday at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an. Organised by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, the event commemorated July Mass Uprising Day and was attended by Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, as the chief guest. Families of those killed or injured during the July movement, government officials, political leaders and invited guests were also present.

During the ceremony, organisers screened a documentary chronicling different phases of the July movement. Shortly after the presentation ended, sections of the audience, including injured protesters, relatives of those who lost their lives during the uprising, and central leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP), voiced strong objections. Protesters alleged that the documentary omitted or misrepresented several significant events and individuals connected with the movement. The protest quickly escalated into loud chants of “Fake, fake”, temporarily disrupting the proceedings.

As tensions mounted, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan appealed over the microphone for calm and urged participants to maintain the dignity of the national event. The atmosphere became even more strained after State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain reportedly told members of the audience, “You have come here to draw attention to yourselves.” His remarks prompted further objections from those protesting the documentary.

Home Minister Salah Uddin Ahmed subsequently intervened, calling on everyone to remain peaceful. He invited those with objections to come to the stage and present their concerns directly rather than continuing the disruption.

Responding to the invitation, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain addressed the audience from the stage. He argued that the documentary contained numerous inconsistencies, particularly in its depiction of the developments on 3 August, which he said had not been presented accurately. He urged the government to review the documentary in consultation with the relevant authorities and make necessary corrections. At the same time, he appealed to supporters to remain calm out of respect for the families of those who had been killed during the movement.

Following the intervention, Minister Ahmed Azam Khan acknowledged the concerns raised by participants. He stated that if factual inaccuracies or omissions were identified, the documentary would be reviewed and amended after discussions with the relevant authorities. He also expressed regret if anyone had been hurt or offended by the content that had been presented.

Separately, NCP Joint Member Secretary Mahin Sarkar confirmed the party’s objections and elaborated on its position. According to him, the documentary identified Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as the person who announced the movement’s “One-Point” demand. He disputed that portrayal, claiming that the declaration had in fact been made by Nahid Islam. Describing the documentary as a distortion of history, Mahin said he announced a boycott of the programme in protest. He also alleged that activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) attacked him following his announcement.

In a Facebook post published after the incident, Mahin reiterated his allegations, claiming he had been assaulted for protesting the documentary in the presence of the Acting President. He further argued that the contributions of Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud had not been adequately reflected in the film and criticised what he described as an incomplete portrayal of the July movement’s leadership and chronology.

The incident underscored the continuing political sensitivity surrounding the interpretation of the July movement. Competing narratives over the roles of political leaders and organisers have remained a source of disagreement, and Wednesday’s disruption highlighted the challenges involved in presenting a historical account that commands broad acceptance among all stakeholders.