Masud Rana, Barishal

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Zahir Uddin Swapan said that everyone must work together to build a non-discriminatory, accountable and humane state system that embodies the core spirit of the mass uprising.

The minister said this while delivering his speech as the chief guest at a discussion meeting and reception for the family members of the July martyrs at the District Shilpakala Academy Auditorium on Wednesday on the occasion of July Mass Uprising Day 2026.

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting said, two years have passed since the July Uprising. The memory and spirit of this historic uprising are commemorated with due dignity throughout Bangladesh. We want the ideals and spirit of the July Uprising to remain alive in the hearts of every person in Bangladesh. Because, no evil force should be able to misguide this spirit, which was achieved through the sacrifice, struggle and expectations of thousands of people. For this, we all have to be aware, united and vigilant.

The Information Minister said, "A group and a family wanted to keep the democracy and people's rights of independent Bangladesh under their wing for a long time. The people's voting rights were taken away. Democratic institutions were weakened. But the young generation of this country, the student community, farmers, workers, professionals and ordinary people from all walks of life did not accept that situation. Regardless of party, opinion, religion and caste, everyone has come together and joined the movement to restore democracy."

The minister said that while in power, the ruling class tried to divide the people through various forms of greed, the lure of positions and intimidation. Many were told, 'Come with us, you will be made a minister.' But the conscious people of the country did not give in to that temptation. They considered the interests of the country more important than personal interests and remained steadfast in the struggle to re-establish democracy.

He further said, "We must deeply understand that this was not just a movement of a few brave young people. It was a collective resistance of the people of the entire Bangladesh, an expression of the people's united anger against long-standing deprivation, injustice and oppression. The strength of this movement was the people's unity, courage and unwavering faith in democracy."

The function was presided over by Barisal Divisional Commissioner Khalil Ahmed, and was attended by Additional DIG Dr. Md. Saifullah Bin Anwar, Deputy Commissioner Md. Mamun Khandaker, Superintendent of Police A, Z, M Mostafizur Rahman, senior political leader and freedom fighter of Barishal Ebaidul Haque Chan, freedom fighter Nurul Alam Farid, Metropolitan BNP convener Moniruzzaman Khan Faruk, Metropolitan BNP member secretary Zia Uddin Sikder and members of the family of the July fighters. Government officials, political leaders and media personnel were present at the event.

A documentary about the martyred July warriors was screened at the divisional and district administrations.
To mark the day, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan laid a wreath at the 'Martyrs of July Mass Uprising Memorial Plaque' at Amtala intersection in Barishal at 10:00 am.