Mamunul calls for removing faces from Shapla Chattar martyrs’ sculptures at July Museum

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque has called for removing the facial features from sculptures of the Shapla Chattar martyrs at the July Uprising Museum, saying their memories and the events surrounding them should instead be depicted without the faces

Mamunul made the remarks today (9 August) while visiting the museum and speaking to reporters about its sculptures.

“During the fascist regime, we went through an important movement and struggle — the movement against sculptures. Our clear position was that sculptures of people contrary to Muslim culture and values cannot be placed in state establishments.

“From that perspective, I suggest removing the facial features of the Shapla Chattar martyrs while portraying their memories and the events,” he added.

Mamunul also criticised the museum for leaving out major events from its account

“One of the major movements during Sheikh Hasina’s rule was the anti-Modi movement in 2021. There is no memory of that movement preserved here. Yet those who were killed or injured during that period are still living history among us,” he said.

Mamunul further criticised the museum for not preserving memories of the killing of Felani Khatun at the Bangladesh-India border, the blockade of former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s residence with sand-laden trucks, and the killings that followed the announcement of the death sentence for Jamaat leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee.