Loss and resistance: Why July's memories still shape our nation

In a city where life never slows down, some memories refuse to be forgotten. Memories, it seems, are timeless treasures of the heart. They remind us of valuable moments, of cherished bits of life and the faces of our beloved. As Bob Dylan would say, one needs to take care of all your memories, for you cannot relive them.

However, there are some memories that we long to forget and wish that they had never happened. They become fragile, flickering but extremely precious, as they become painful reminders of people we love, after we have lost them. The month of July is filled with such tumultuous moments, that it might take the nation years to recover from the traumatic experiences from the last few years.

It has been 9 years today, but the memories of the tragedy that unfolded on Road 79 in Gulshan 2, still haunt us and probably will do so for years to come. This long stretch of road, just wide enough for two cars to cross each other from opposite directions, is perpetually semi-lit. Almost a decade ago on this day, the road was filled with journalists from all over the world — waiting for hours for updates. The Holey Artisan attack, that had stolen the lives of so many, including tourists, friends and young university students, is now a memory that we cannot and should not shrug off as just another incident.

Not only did the Holey Artisan attack forever change the lives of the families of the victims, but also added a dimension to the evolving and changing political narrative of Bangladesh.

Even today, a certain feeling of restlessness and distress looms over Road 79. The resident-buildings and the massive gates built in the early 90s, seem to exist indifferently. The ache of loss is sharpened by how vividly we remember. In fact, one is reminded of the famous song by the Eagles — programmed to receive, but one can never leave.

July will forever be etched in the minds of most deshis, especially the ones belonging to Generation Z — who fearlessly stood against oppression, marched towards a ground-breaking revolution that led to the fall of the authoritarian government, in the process losing a thousand lives and more. Today, many are looking back to a year ago, remembering the revolution that had taken place in the streets of Bangladesh.

The slogans and the young voices have been reverberating for some time now, and once again today, they come alive, while families of the martyrs of all ages try their best to bear with the pain of losing their loved ones in the face of the atrocities that were committed. Bloodstains still fresh and hearts still aching, the scars would surely stay alive for generations to come.

Loss changes us. It teaches us that memory is both wound and balm. And in a world that keeps moving forward, remembering becomes a form of resistance — a way of saying: they mattered. They still do. May the sacrifices be remembered and honoured forever — of young fighters, changemakers, people leading regular lives, those trying to voice out and the supporters of freedom — simply for a stronger and a peaceful Bangladesh.