Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the government is determined to institutionalise the democracy achieved through the July 2024 uprising, to give proper honour to the martyrs' blood.
He spoke on Wednesday (5 August) after laying a wreath at the July Martyrs Memorial at Amtala intersection in Barishal, on the occasion of July Uprising Day.
The minister said fascism and autocracy had devoured state institutions and that the prolonged struggle and the sacrifices of the July 2024 uprising had cleared the path for the re-establishment of democracy.
He added that honouring the martyrs' blood was a key duty and that the students' and people's sacrifice had aimed to build a democratic, non-discriminatory and justice-based society.
He also said the final victory had been achieved through street movements under the leadership of 'national leader' Tarique Rahman.
Barishal divisional commissioner Khalil Ahmed and deputy commissioner Md Mamun Khondaker were present; other participants included leaders of various political and social organisations, freedom fighters, July fighters and martyrs' family members.
The day's events included a discussion meeting at Barishal district Shilpakala Academy and a reception for martyrs' families and wounded July fighters.
Special prayers were held at mosques, temples, churches and pagodas, and meals were arranged at hospitals, the central jail, children's and disability-care homes and old-age homes.