Govt aims to secure democracy through institutional framework: Swapon

Online Desk : Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday said the government is working to establish a permanent institutional framework to safeguard democracy and ensure that no force can suppress people’s rights or undermine the nation in the future.

He made the remarks while unveiling Shikol Bhangar July (July of Breaking the Chains), a commemorative publication published by the Press Information Department (PID) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising, at the Secretariat.

Swapon said Bangladesh’s democratic journey had repeatedly been disrupted by authoritarian rule, forcing people to sacrifice their lives to restore democratic rights.

“Previous movements resisted injustice, but they often failed to prevent the emergence of new forms of authoritarianism. This time, alongside breaking the chains of fascism, we have also focused on rebuilding the country,” he said.

The minister said the government has initiated reforms to the state’s institutional and political structures so that the sacrifices made during the July Mass Uprising lead to sustainable democratic governance. He added that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform proposal has served as a roadmap for the country’s post-uprising reforms.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury said Bangladesh’s return to democracy was made possible through the sacrifices of those who participated in the 17-year struggle against autocratic rule, culminating in the July Mass Uprising.

He offered prayers for the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery to those injured during the movement.

Acting Secretary of the ministry Shah Alam said the commemorative publication had been brought out to honour the memories of the July Mass Uprising ahead of its second anniversary.

Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed said the publication seeks to preserve the history of the democratic struggle for future generations.