Desk Report:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that true respect will be paid to the martyrs of the July Uprising only when a humane, accountable and institutional democratic state system is established in Bangladesh. He said that it is not enough to just remember the glorious story of the movement and struggle; rather, the causes of that struggle must be removed and a state must be built where future generations no longer have to fight for the establishment of democracy by shedding blood.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Teachers Association on the occasion of the ‘July Uprising 2024’ at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Council Building on Tuesday (August 4, 2026).
The Information Minister said that in the history before and after independence, the nation has repeatedly had to move forward through movements, struggles and bloodshed. This proves that a stable, just and humane state system has not been established in the country for a long time. As a result, every generation has had to embark on a new struggle for democracy, rights and justice.
He said that it is not enough to be proud of the history of the martyrs’ sacrifice; rather, the main responsibility today is to deeply analyze the reasons why the state has to face such situations repeatedly and ensure a permanent solution. The sacrifice of the martyrs should not be taken as a matter of complacency, but as a lesson of a cruel reality, so that no Bangladeshi has to face a similar situation in the future.
Stressing the need to ensure a favorable environment for the development of the talent and creativity of the citizens of the state, Zahir Uddin Swapan said that due to structural limitations of the state and society, many capable and talented people do not get the opportunity to contribute according to their capabilities. Changing this reality should be one of the lessons of the July Mass Uprising.
He further said that the strength of a democratic state depends on its institutional capacity. Democracy cannot be sustainable unless the effective balance, accountability and constitutional status of the parliament, judiciary, executive and legislative branches are ensured. If strong democratic institutions cannot be built even after the recent sacrifices, then more in-depth research and self-criticism will be required on the socio-economic structure and political culture of the state.
The Information Minister called on teachers to present events like history, the Liberation War and the July Uprising to the new generation through research, analysis and rational discussion along with emotion. He said that the true significance of the July Uprising will be revealed through the research, analysis and free thinking of the country’s talented teachers, researchers and intellectuals and a new roadmap will be created for the future of Bangladesh.
The event was presided over by Professor Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder, President of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Teachers’ Association, and was attended by BUET Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Shariful Islam as special guests. Former BUET Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul Hasib Chowdhury and Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering Professor Md. Abdul Jalil also spoke.
