Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin spoke at a special programme held at the auditorium of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) in Dhaka today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 7, 2025 (BSS) – Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today said that following the changeover of power after the mass uprising last year, the market syndicate system has been eliminated while the operations of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) have become more inclusive. 

“We’ve initiated the distribution of cards to some one crore families. Our macroeconomic balance is in surplus, our financial accounts are in surplus, and the foreign currency reserves that had fallen to $10 billion have now risen to $30 billion. Exports have reached the highest level over the past 32 months. We’ve also made progress in reducing inequality,” he said.

The Commerce Adviser made such remarks at a special programme held at the auditorium of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) today as part of observing the “July Revival Programme” to commemorate the student-led July mass uprising, said a Commerce Ministry press release.

He also mentioned that there were a lot of attainments over the last one year following the uprising.

The Commerce Adviser noted that the interim government would be able to reach a stage through structural reforms where the next elected government can lead the country towards a sound economy and a journey free from inequality.

The programme began with a one minute of silence in remembrance of those who were martyred during the July uprising last year. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.

Bashir said although the proposed reforms might not be fully implemented during this short-term, but efforts are being made to ensure an appropriate roadmap. “We are united under the leadership of the Chief Adviser to perform better and to deliver a better election,” he added.

He further said, “We had to pay the price as we were able to say ‘no’ in unison in univocal voice against injustice during that movement in July. From little Riya Gop to Yamin, lives had to be sacrificed. The sacrifices made during July and August were beyond words”.

The special programme included a testimony from a July fighter, a segment titled “Listen Mahajon,” testimonies of martyred families, a documentary titled ‘Koto Biplobi Bondhur Rokte Ranga’, a musical drama based on July, and a discussion session.

Speaking as special guest, Md. Abdur Rouf, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, said, “If we carry out our responsibilities with sincerity, honesty, and dedication, embracing the spirit of the July uprising as announced by the Chief Adviser, then we’ll be able to build a sustainable state to be free from inequality as well as a humane, and welfare-oriented state that requires no more bloodshed.”

Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, stated, “Over the past seventeen years, crony capitalism had prevailed. The entire state machinery was used to serve the interests of a few individuals. To overcome this system, it is essential to establish an equitable and just social structure, policy framework, and behavioral standard inspired by the spirit of July.”

TCB Chairman Brigadier General Mohammad Faisal Azad delivered the welcome address. 

Ariful Islam Arif and Sayla Akhter Shoshi, who actively participated in the student uprising, also shared their memories of the July uprising.