Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has emphasized that the spirit of Bangladesh's 1971 War of Independence and the core philosophy of the July 2024 mass uprising are rooted in the same ideals. Speaking at a discussion organized by the July 24 Martyrs' Family Association and the Nagorik Kantha Forum, Swapon stated that the July 2024 uprising is the outcome of the enduring spirit of the Great Liberation War and the country's long-standing democratic values.
The discussion, titled 'Remembering July-2024: Remembering Their Sacrifice, Inspiring Our Future,' took place at RAOWA Club in Mohakhali, Dhaka. Swapon observed that from the War of Independence onward, whenever authoritarian or fascist tendencies have emerged in Bangladesh, ordinary people have resisted them. The anti-autocratic uprising of July–August 2024 reflected the people’s democratic ideals and aspirations for social justice achieved through the bloodshed of the 1971 Liberation War.
"The principal source of the July uprising is our Great Liberation War, and there should be no confusion about that," Swapon said. He also spoke about the consequences of distorting history, noting that the people have rejected those who attempted to use the achievements of the Liberation War for partisan purposes or turn them into instruments of authoritarianism.
Swapon highlighted that the July uprising does not belong exclusively to any particular group or political party; it was a movement of people from across Bangladesh's 56,000 square miles—hill and plain, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians alike. He stressed the responsibilities of the elected government, including ensuring the rehabilitation and medical treatment of those who lost their lives or were injured during the July uprising.
The minister urged vigilance against those who want to create political instability by spreading provocative content on social media. He called on the younger generation to remain alert against attempts to undermine the country's democratic environment. Members of Parliament Nayab Yusuf Ahmed and Mahmuda Habiba and North South University (NSU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury were also present. Family members of those who were killed during the July uprising and individuals injured in the movement shared their memories and experiences.
