Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan urged people to prevent anyone from using the spirit and achievements of the July mass uprising for personal or political gain. He made the appeal on Thursday while chairing a publication launch, photography exhibition and discussion marking July Martyrs’ Day 2026 at the DFP auditorium.

Swapan said people have historically been inspired by the spirit of independence to resist injustice and oppression when those forces have increased in society. He called for collective work to establish justice, democracy and human values while carrying the ideals of July. He also urged that the July spirit not be “sold” in the way he alleged the Awami League had sold the spirit of the Liberation War.

The minister said the enduring spirit of the independence war lies within the spirit of sacrifice of July, and that the Liberation War’s contribution to Bangladesh’s political process cannot be forgotten. He said the public had succeeded in an anti-fascist movement with the anti-discrimination student movement at its forefront and that work to build the country was now under way. Guests inaugurated a July Martyrs’ Day publication and visited the photography exhibition.