Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said Bangladesh must strengthen parliamentary democracy to properly honour the sacrifices of martyrs of the July uprising. He called for the elected national parliament to become the country’s central forum for political activity and policymaking. Swapan made the remarks on Monday at a discussion marking July Uprising Day at the National Press Club in the capital, organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and Dhaka Union of Journalists.

He said political problems should be resolved through constitutional and democratic processes rather than outside parliament. Swapan described the loss of lives for voting rights and democracy as a matter of both pain and national self-reflection. He said the democratic mandate expressed through the uprising requires a more effective and stronger parliamentary system, with parliament serving as the highest democratic venue for debate, exchange of views and decision-making.

The minister also stressed strengthening an independent and dignified judiciary, good governance and constitutional democracy. He urged democratic political forces to work together with national unity, cooperation and tolerance. Swapan warned that intolerance, misinformation and instability on social media could weaken democracy. He said the government is committed to implementing every pledge of the July Charter through the parliament elected by the people.