Dhaka: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana today emphasized the importance of utilizing the courage and strength demonstrated during the July Uprising to establish a fascism-free Bangladesh. She addressed this message at a documentary screening and discussion held at the National Institute of Mass-communication (NIMCO) auditorium in the capital, marking the anniversary of the July Uprising, as stated in an official handout.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farjana paid tribute to the martyrs of the July Uprising, acknowledging the sacrifices made by students and the public to create a merit-based and non-discriminatory state system. She called for deep respect for the sacrifices of the martyrs and highlighted the need to address the treatment and rehabilitation of the injured and the families of the martyrs.
Farjana criticized the previous government’s 15-year rule, highlighting the absence of true democracy and the suppression of freedom of speech during that period. She noted the challenges faced by young people in expressing the truth and criticized the unprofessional conduct of law enforcement agencies during the uprising, particularly their unlawful actions against unarmed students and citizens.
Emphasizing the importance of freedom of mass media and the accountability of the administration, Mahbuba Farjana urged all parties to collaborate in building a country free from fascism. The event also featured speeches from Department of Mass Communication Director General Faizul Haque, Bangladesh Betar DG ASM Zahid, and Department of Film and Publication DG Khaleda Begum, with NIMCO DG Muhammad Hiruzzaman presiding over the discussion.
The program included the screening of a documentary on the July Uprising, followed by prayers for the eternal peace of the martyrs’ souls and the recovery of the injured.