Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Friday emphasized that the current period offers an unprecedented opportunity to guide the nation towards the right path, owing to a combination of unique factors. ‘Together, the mass uprising, the blood, sacrifice of life, the transparent election, effectiveness of parliament, and sincerity of Tarique Rahman have created a chance to institutionalise democratic values. Otherwise, the opportunity will fade away,’ he stated.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister made these remarks during a program at Dhaka University’s TSC, organized by the DU Debating Society, titled ‘July Mass Uprising and the Democratic Transformation of Bangladesh’. He highlighted that the current movement is more dynamic than any other in post-independent Bangladesh.

Swapan elaborated, ‘The movement led Bangladesh to a less controversial national election, resulting in an elected parliament while preserving the spirit of the July Uprising. As conscious citizens, we are trying to assess how much of the country’s democratic transformation we have been able to restore. To better understand these issues, debate is the best platform.’ He stressed that the inability to engage in debates on practical issues is a primary cause of the democratic crisis in the country.

The minister urged the DU Debating Society to foster a culture of debate not only within the TSC but across the nation, assuring government support for such initiatives. He criticized certain individuals for attempting to claim undue credit for the July Uprising, cautioning against the immaturity of focusing on personal fame over collective responsibility.

He also mentioned the government’s dedicated efforts to unify the nation and steer the democratic achievement towards its intended goal. Swapan pointed out, ‘The first step toward achieving this is to transform the parliamentary system into an effective institution and upholding it. This is the basic need.’

Swapan concluded by acknowledging the challenges faced in maintaining democratic progress. Despite the space available for democratic debate, he noted that some allies of the movement tend to revert to previous practices. However, he expressed hope that they will overcome this confusion, emphasizing the importance of not squandering the sacrifices and achievements of the martyrs.