Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan on Wednesday said a new chapter of change has begun in Bangladesh under the BNP government, and pledged to rebuild the country in the spirit of the July mass uprising. 

He made the remarks after paying tribute at the July Martyrs’ Memorial in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh on the occasion of July Mass Uprising Day. 

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain also laid a wreath at the memorial. 

Speaking to reporters after paying tribute, Minister Azam said, “We reaffirm our commitment as a democratic and patriotic government to rebuilding Bangladesh as a prosperous democratic nation in the spirit of the July uprising. We will implement the July Charter in that spirit.”
 
He said the nation has united to build a prosperous and democratic state and the government expects participation and contributions from all sections of society. 

Referring to the fall of the previous government, the minister said after 17 years of bloodshed on the streets, fascism came to an end on this day. “Therefore, today is a day of both mourning and victory.” 

He urged BNP and other political parties that had remained active on the streets for years not to become divided for narrow political interests.
 
Azam warned that any attempt to divide the country through behaviour resembling that of the former fascist regime will not be accepted by the people.
 
He also prayed for the eternal peace of the July martyrs and the speedy recovery of those injured during the uprising. 

Reiterating the government’s commitment, he said the July Charter will be implemented and that the people now want prosperity, democracy and the full establishment of their right to speak freely.