Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain on Wednesday described the July 2024 uprising as the culmination of years of public anger against what he termed authoritarian rule, saying it reflected people's aspirations for democracy and good governance.

Speaking at a discussion marking July Mass Uprising Day 2026 at the Health Ministry in the Secretariat, the minister said the movement was not a spontaneous event but the result of years of accumulated grievances.

Drawing parallels with the Language Movement of 1952, the Mass Uprising of 1969, the Liberation War of 1971 and the anti-autocracy movement of 1990, he said the July uprising had become another significant milestone in the country's history.

He alleged that enforced disappearances, killings, corruption, money laundering and political repression during the previous government had fueled widespread public resentment, which eventually erupted during the July movement.

"The way our young people took to the streets and built resistance was a rare event in world history," he said, paying tribute to those who were killed or permanently injured during the uprising.

The minister said the government was committed to building a corruption-free Health Ministry and ensuring quality healthcare services for all.

He also urged people to remain vigilant, alleging that supporters of the previous regime were still active and engaged in conspiracies with foreign forces to undermine the country's independence and sovereignty.

Sakhawat Husain said the July movement reflected the people's desire for a representative government and good governance, adding that the government would work with honesty and integrity to serve the people.

The programme was attended by Health Services Division Director General Prof Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas, Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education Prof Dr Nazmul Hossain, senior officials of the Health Ministry and the Directorate General of Family Planning, among others.