Harness the Spirit of July to build 'fascism-free' Bangladesh: Information Secretary

Secretary to the Information Ministry Mahbuba Farzana has said that citizens must use the courage and strength of the July Uprising to build a fascism-free Bangladesh.

She emphasised the need for honesty, efficiency, and impartiality from all stakeholders in fulfilling this national responsibility, UNB reports. 

The secretary came up with the remarks on Sunday while speaking as the chief guest at a documentary screening, discussion, and prayer meeting held at the National Institute of Mass-communication (NIMCO) auditorium in Dhaka, marking the anniversary of the July Uprising.

Mahbuba Farzana said students and the public have sacrificed immensely to establish a merit-based and non-discriminatory state system.

"We must acknowledge the pain of the injured and the sacrifices of the martyrs. It is time we take responsibility for the rehabilitation of the wounded and the families of those who laid down their lives," she said.

Criticizing the 15-year rule of the previous government, she said that at that time there was a so-called democracy in the country. We lost freedom of speech and the young people could not speak the truth.

Highlighting the actions of law enforcement agencies during the July Uprising, she said unarmed students and citizens were killed unjustly. “We must raise our voices so that our children never again have to shed their blood for justice and freedom,” she said.

Mahbuba Farzana also highlighted the importance of media freedom, administrative accountability, and the right to dissent.

She expressed hope that with collective effort and integrity in public service, "we can remove the long-standing rot and build a nation free of fascism."

The discussion was presided over by Muhammad Hiruzzaman NDC, director general of the National Institute of Mass-communication.

Faizul Haque, director general of the Department of Mass Communication, ASM Zahid, director general of Bangladesh Betar and Khaleda Begum, director general of the Department of Films and Publications, also spoke.

A documentary on the July Uprising was screened before the discussion.

The programme concluded with prayers for the martyrs and the recovery of the injured.