Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising can only be honored by establishing people’s rights and building an effective democratic state.

“The debt of July’s blood will be repaid through the establishment of people’s rights. Those who gave their lives for democracy dreamed of a just and democratic Bangladesh, and it is our collective responsibility to fulfill that dream,” he said.

The minister made the remarks on Monday while addressing a discussion organized by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the National Press Club, marking the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising. He attended the event as the chief guest.

The program began with prayers seeking eternal peace for the souls of those martyred during the July movement.

Describing July as “a part of our hearts,” the minister said the movement created a historic opportunity for change through the sacrifices of those who lost their lives and those who were injured. “We must seize this opportunity to establish a democratic state based on the rights of the people,” he added.

He noted that the aspiration for democracy, nurtured through years of struggle, was further strengthened by the July Mass Uprising. “Now is the time to move the country forward through dialogue, not division and conflict,” he said.

The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the July Charter, saying work had already begun and a related parliamentary committee had been formed. Necessary reforms, he added, should be carried out through consultation and consensus.

Highlighting the role of the media, Mirza Fakhrul said journalism remains one of the pillars of democracy. He assured that the government would give due importance to issues concerning journalists’ employment, safety, and welfare. He also emphasized the state’s responsibility toward the families of journalists who were martyred or injured during the July movement.

He further said the government is working to build a “New Bangladesh” by meeting the expectations of the people. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said, efforts are underway to bring positive changes across different sectors through direct public engagement. He called on all citizens to unite for the country’s development, democratic progress, and public welfare.

Speaking as a special guest, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the nation would never forget the sacrifices of the July martyrs and those who gave their lives in other democratic movements. He said their sacrifices would find true recognition only when people’s rights are guaranteed through an effective parliament.

Journalist leaders and representatives from various media organizations also attended the discussion.