Staff Reporter:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said that Bangladeshi nationalism is the fundamental basis of the country’s cultural and historical identity.
“Many people outside the geographical boundary of 56,000 square miles may speak Bangla, but there is a fundamental historical difference in our collective mindset and culture. Those who seek to conceal this difference are either ignorant or are working with some far-reaching ulterior motive,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled “Implementation of the July Charter Signed for National Reconstruction” held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail in the capital.
The programme was organised by “Amra Bangladeshi”, which has adopted the slogan “Bangladesh First” with the goal of rebuilding the state.
Addressing the issue of cultural sovereignty, Swapon said, “No Bengali within the 56,000 square miles will need to borrow a certificate of Bengali identity from anyone across the border.”
He said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence had laid the foundation of Bangladeshi nationalism which clearly defines the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
The minister said attempts to sideline the people in the electoral process had been defeated, leading to a free and credible election held on 12 February. Bangladesh’s democratic process now stands on the clean mandate of the people, he said, adding that the elected government is working on the strength of that mandate.
As a result, the parliament is playing a role as a more effective and vibrant institution than at any time in the past, he continued.
Noted economist Prof Dr Mahbub Ullah addressed the event as the keynote speaker with BNP leader Syed Ehsanul Huda in the chair.
State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur, Member of Parliament Shahadat Hossain Selim, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, BNP Executive Committee member Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah, Mominul Amin and BNP leader Md Rashed Khan, among others, were present at the event.
