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.
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.