Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said economic democratization is necessary for political democracy to succeed. Speaking as chief guest at the July Mass Uprising Commemoration Programme 2026 at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology’s central auditorium on Sunday afternoon, he said Bangladesh’s people and national interests must take priority over everything else, and nothing should be done against those interests.

Referring to the background of the July mass uprising, Khosru said a tendency to remain in power by selling out national interests had raised questions about Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He also described his time in jail, saying cases including the killing of police and arson at the Bangladesh Television centre were filed against him. He cited lack of family contact, inadequate treatment and harsh conditions for inmates.

The minister said the government aims to secure voting rights, human rights, rule of law and economic participation. He outlined plans to bring blacksmiths, potters, weavers, cottage-industry workers, artists, actors, singers and athletes into the economic mainstream through skills development, modern design, branding, marketing and links to international markets.