Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Wednesday said the “final victory” was achieved through street movements led by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
He said fascism and authoritarianism had taken control of various state institutions, but the path to restoring democracy had been paved through years of struggle and the sacrifices of those killed in the July Uprising of 2024.
“Through the street movement under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, that final victory has been achieved,” he said.
The minister made the remarks after paying tribute to the July martyrs at the July Shaheed Memorial in Amatala Mor area of Barishal city in the morning.
The Barishal district administration organised various programmes throughout the day to honour those who lost their lives during the uprising.
Zahir Uddin said the government was committed to upholding the dignity of the martyrs whose blood made it possible to defeat “fascism” and establish democracy in Bangladesh.
“We are determined to honour their sacrifices and institutionalise democracy in the country,” he said.
Barishal Divisional Commissioner Khalil Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Md Mamun Khondaker, senior officials of the administration, leaders of BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP), freedom fighters, July fighters and family members of martyrs attended the programme.
Later, a discussion meeting and a reception for families of martyrs and injured July fighters were held at the District Shilpakala Academy.
Addressing the event, the minister alleged that “a woman” was trying to misinterpret the issue of a referendum.
“The elected parliament is the highest platform for making decisions on the Constitution and state affairs. The people will not accept any other powerful authority outside the elected parliament in matters concerning the Constitution, the state, politics or science,” he said.
“If there are any disputes, parliament is the only place for their final resolution,” he added.
Speaking about the country’s current situation, Zahir Uddin said the present government had inherited a bankrupt economy, a damaged society and the “remnants of fascist misdeeds”.
“However, the people have placed their trust in Tarique Rahman to remove this debris and rebuild the crippled economy,” he said.
The minister vowed that no obstacle would be tolerated in carrying out the responsibility entrusted to the government by the people.
Meanwhile, special prayers were held at different places of worship across Barishal seeking eternal peace for the martyrs, recovery of injured July fighters and peace and prosperity for the country.
Besides, special meals were arranged at government hospitals, the central jail, children’s homes and old-age homes, while major roads in the city were decorated with banners and flags marking the occasion.
