Mahmudur Rahman, joint convener of the National Editors Council and editor of Amar Desh, said winning the cultural struggle is essential to winning the political struggle. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s National Theatre Hall during the day-long “July Revolution Theatre Festival and July Revolution Photography Exhibition,” organized by Mahanagar Natya Sangsad. He said cultural activities must be expanded to free Bangladesh’s cultural sphere from what he described as the control of rivals since independence.

Rahman stressed the role of films, theatre, songs, music, poetry, stories and novels in carrying history to ordinary people. Referring to the film Spartacus, Che Guevara imagery and the drama Sultan Suleiman, he said cultural works can keep historical narratives alive across generations. He expressed hope that future generations would tell the stories of Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, Anas, Osman Hadi and other martyrs alongside figures such as Spartacus and Che.

He said remembering martyrs and making them part of Bangladesh’s history was more important than justice, while also saying justice must be pursued. Rahman called for many films and narratives about the July Revolution. Three plays on the July Revolution were staged at the event, where actor Abdul Aziz, Delwar Hossain, Sharif Bayezid Mahmud and Abedur Rahman also spoke.