DHAKA : Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the government is working to establish a permanent institutional framework to ensure that no force can suppress people's rights or shackle the nation in future.

He made the remarks while unveiling 'Shikol Bhangar July' (July of Breaking the Chains), a commemorative publication brought out by the Press Information Department (PID) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising, at the Secretariat here.

Swapon said Bangladesh's democratic journey had repeatedly been interrupted by oppression, forcing people to sacrifice blood and lives to restore their rights.

"Previous movements often ended with resistance against injustice but failed to prevent the rise of new forms of fascism. This time, while breaking the chains of fascism, we also planned how to rebuild the country," he said.

He said the government had undertaken reforms of the state structure and political system so that the sacrifices made during the movement could translate into lasting democratic institutions. 

He added that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman's 31-point outline had provided a roadmap for post-uprising reforms.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury said the country's return to democracy was achieved through the sacrifices made during the 17-year movement against autocracy and the July Mass Uprising. 

He prayed for the departed souls of the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Acting Secretary of the ministry Shah Alam said the commemorative publication has been brought out in tribute to the memories of the July Mass Uprising ahead of its second anniversary.

Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed said the publication aims to preserve the history of the struggle for democracy for future generations.