Swapon warns against exploiting July uprising spirit
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Thursday urged people to protect the spirit of the July sacrifice from commercialisation and political exploitation, saying it carries the enduring values of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
Speaking at a publication unveiling ceremony, photo exhibition and discussion marking July Martyrs’ Day 2026 at the DFP Auditorium, the minister said no one should attempt to gain personal or political advantage from the sacrifices and achievements of the July Mass Uprising.
“The enduring spirit of the War of Independence is inherent in the spirit of the July sacrifice, and no one should forget the contribution of the Liberation War to Bangladesh’s political development,” he said.
The programme was chaired by Swapon, while Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended as the chief guest.
State Minister for Information Yasser Khan Choudhury and PSC member Dr Chowdhury Sayma Ferdous were present as special guests.
Swapon said people must remain alert so that the spirit and achievements of the July Mass Uprising are not used for narrow interests.
He said whenever injustice and oppression increased in society, people had risen against them, inspired by the spirit of independence.
Calling for collective efforts, the minister urged people to uphold justice, democracy and human values by embracing the ideals of July.
Swapon said the party’s former chairperson and former prime minister, late Begum Khaleda Zia, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, himself and many party leaders and activists had faced imprisonment and repression during the movement against fascism.
He said Begum Khaleda Zia left the world after the July Uprising with great respect, following a path marked by the affection and support of the people.
“The people of the country had successfully carried out the anti-fascist movement under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Now the work of rebuilding the country is underway,” he said.
At the beginning of the event, guests unveiled a publication on July Martyrs’ Day and visited the accompanying photo exhibition.
The event brought together representatives from media organisations, journalists’ bodies, government agencies and officials under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Among those present were Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Kamal Uddin Shabuj, Dainik Pratidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan, Bangladesh Federal Journalists’ Union Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, and Bangladesh Sangbadik Kallyan Trust Managing Director Bachhir Jamal, along with senior officials and invited guests.
