Special Correspondent: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has called on everyone to work together to build a non-discriminatory, accountable and humane state system by embodying the core spirit of the July Uprising.
He said this as the chief guest at a discussion meeting and reception ceremony for the family members of the July martyrs organized at the Barisal District Shilpakala Academy Auditorium on the occasion of ‘July Uprising Day-2026’ this morning (Wednesday).
The Information Minister said, ‘Two years have passed since the July Uprising. The memory and spirit of this historic mass uprising are being remembered with respect and solemnity throughout Bangladesh. We want the ideals and spirit of the July Uprising to remain alive in the hearts of every person in the country.
He said, “Everyone must be aware, united and vigilant so that no evil force can misguide this spirit, which was achieved through the sacrifice, struggle and expectations of thousands of people.”
Explaining the context of the struggle to restore democracy, the minister said, “The democracy and people’s rights of independent Bangladesh were held hostage by a group and a family for a long time. The people’s voting rights were taken away and democratic institutions were weakened. But the young generation, students, farmers, workers and professionals, and ordinary people from all walks of life in this country did not bow down to that injustice.”
He further said, “The then ruling class tried to divide people through temptation, greed for positions and intimidation. Many were even tempted to make them ministers. But the conscious people of the country did not give in to that temptation. They have put the interests of the country above their personal interests and have remained steadfast in the struggle to re-establish democracy.’
Zahir Uddin Swapan said, ‘We must deeply understand that this was not just a movement of a few brave youth. It was a collective resistance of the people of the entire Bangladesh and an expression of the people’s united anger against long-standing deprivation, injustice and oppression. The main strength of this movement was the people’s unity, courage and unwavering faith in democracy.’
Additional DIG Dr. Md. Saifullah Bin Anwar, Deputy Commissioner Md. Mamun Khandaker, Superintendent of Police A.Z.M. Mostafizur Rahman, veteran political leader and freedom fighter Ebaidul Haque Chan, freedom fighter Nurul Alam Farid, Metropolitan BNP Convener Moniruzzaman Khan Faruk and Member Secretary Zia Uddin Sikder also spoke at the event, chaired by Barisal Divisional Commissioner Khalil Ahmed. The event, jointly organized by the Barisal Divisional and District Administration, was attended by family members of the July martyrs and July warriors.
At the beginning of the discussion, a documentary was shown in memory of the July martyrs.
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