President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said it is  the responsibility of everyone to build a democratic, just, non-discriminatory and humane state system by upholding the spirit of the July Uprising.

“The role of preserving such memories and of the museum is extremely important in properly presenting the history of the July Uprising to future generations,” he said after visiting the July Uprising Memorial Museum and watching a brief documentary.

The President, who visibly moved to tears after visiting the memorial museum,  said, “We have been freed from the hands of the fascists and regained democracy, but we have paid a very high price.”

He said the state could never repay its debt to the martyrs and injured July fighters, stressing that such a tragic and brutal massacre must never happen again in the country.

President’s wife Rahat Ara Begum was present during the visit.

The President arrived at the museum at 11 am, where he was welcomed by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khayyam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, the secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Director General of the July Uprising Memorial Museum and senior officials of the President’s Office and the concerned ministry.

After collecting a visitor ticket, the President entered the museum and walked through the “Long Walk to Democracy” walkway, observing historical images depicting different stages of the Liberation War and Bangladesh’s democratic journey.

He visited the memorial built in remembrance of those killed during the fascist rule and a replica of the “Aynaghar”.

The President also planted a tree on the museum premises in memory of those killed and injured during the July Uprising, paying deep respect to their sacrifices.

He also toured sections dedicated to the BDR carnage, Shapla Chattar massacre, torture instruments and enforced disappearances.

The President became emotional while viewing letters, memorabilia and other artifacts belonging to the martyrs.

He also visited displays depicting major events of the July Uprising and the struggles of students and people.

The President watched a documentary at the museum’s Monsoon Theatre and was visibly moved. At the end of the visit, he signed the museum’s visitors’ book.

The President prayed for the eternal peace of the souls of the martyrs of the July Uprising and wished speedy recovery and wellbeing for all those injured and affected.

Paying deep tribute to the martyrs and injured victims of the July Uprising, the President described their sacrifices as an important chapter in Bangladesh’s struggle for democracy and justice.

He said the nation would remember with profound respect the sacrifices of the students and people who participated in and gave their lives during the July Uprising.

Expressing respect for the sacrifice of the martyrs and the courage and sacrifice of the injured, he conveyed his sympathy to their families.