After July 2024, Bangladesh discovered a renewed sense of unity as the nation came together to stand against injustice. Over time, however, we began to notice divisions forming among the people. Some started questioning the very essence of our Liberation War itself. To confront this growing apathy and division, some cultural voices of the July movement divulge their take on what is at stake for the soul of our nation.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Director Ashfaque Nipun was never afraid to call a spade a spade. He has consistently spoken out against injustice, and during the July movement, he remained a firm voice, while also condemning 'mob justice'. When asked about the significance of December 16 and the growing attempts to question it, the director offered a frank and uncompromising response.

"December 16, 1971, is an inseparable part of our national story. It was on that day that the people of Bangladesh fought against the occupying Pakistani army and its collaborators and won their freedom. The once mighty Pakistani forces were forced to surrender and leave this land, and we gained a new country. That is why December 16 will always remain historic.

"If we had not witnessed victory on December 16, 1971, the history of Bangladesh might have been written very differently."

For Nipun, our Victory Day is more than a historic date; it is the foundation of the nation. "The victory of December 16 must be honoured, along with the sacrifices of the martyrs, the wounded, and the birangonas of the nine-month-long war. Their contributions are an essential part of our birth story."

He also highlighted the inspiration drawn from ordinary citizens. "The resistance of ordinary people has always been our greatest source of inspiration. Even during the mass uprising in July '24, which led to the fall of an authoritarian government, the history of December 16 continued to guide us. The lessons of 1971 have always acted as a compass. If we could defeat one of the most powerful armies in the world then, we can do it again."

He added, "The contribution and historical importance of December 16 can never be denied. No matter how many narratives try to question it, some days become permanently historic and cannot be diminished. That is why us Bangladeshis, once 70 million and now close to 200 million, continue to celebrate December 16 every year and will continue to do so. The history of Bangladesh's victories begins on December 16, and every victory that followed draws strength from it."

"As long as Bangladesh exists, December 16 will remain part of our history, our celebrations, and our victory narrative. It reminds us that when ordinary people stand united on the side of justice, any victory is possible."

— Ashfaque Nipun

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Badhan was a fierce voice when it came to the July uprising; she strongly voiced her opposition to the killings of innocent children and students during the movement. The actress was shocked when she found out that there are certain people who are trying to demean our Liberation War.

Reflecting on the significance of Victory Day, the actress said, "I can say today that I am a free citizen of Bangladesh only because we achieved victory on December 16. Without that victory, I would not be able to say this. There is no alternative to it. At that time, I would not have been a citizen of Bangladesh. I would have been a citizen of some other country. That is why this day is deeply important to me."

Addressing attempts to undermine the history of 1971, Badhan was blunt.

"I do not know where these ideas come from, but trying to distort or deny the Liberation War comes from ignorance and foolishness. It is a result of a lack of education. If people genuinely loved their country and their own identity, they would never deny the Liberation War, 1971, or our Victory Day."

— Azmeri Haque Badhan

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Filmmaker and actor Khijir Hayat was vocal during the July movement, openly calling out the previous regime through his social media posts. Known for directing the Liberation War–inspired film "Ora 7 Jon", Hayat has remained firm in his position on the ongoing debate comparing 1971 with the 2024 movement.

Addressing the comparison, he said, "The first and biggest mistake we can ever make is comparing 2024 with 1971. 1971 marks the birth of our nation. December 16 is when we earned victory. If we deny that, then we are denying our own birth."

Emphasising the broader political journey of the nation, Hayat noted that a country is not shaped in a single moment.

"A nation goes through phases and different kinds of revolutions, but you cannot ignore your birth. December 16 is the birthday of Bangladesh. If you ignore your own birth, nothing really remains. My position is very clear. Do not ignore your birth. At the same time, our revolution cannot be undermined either."

— Khijir Hayat

Photo: Collected

Filmmaker Akram Khan, known for Liberation War–based films such as "Khacha" and "Nakshi Kathar Jamin", was among the first to urge artistes to speak out against the injustice faced by students during July. As both a July warrior and a filmmaker deeply shaped by the spirit of the Liberation War, Khan sees the recent uprising through a historical and moral lens.

"Our Liberation War gave us our sovereignty, our cultural identity, and a moral compass. Whenever the nation feels lost or confused, we must return to the ideals of the Liberation War. There is no comparison between July and the Liberation War. One gave birth to the nation; the other was a people's uprising to reclaim democracy and challenge repression and inequality. July follows the continuity of the Liberation War, but it can never replace it."

— Akram Khan