Staff Reporter:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said the philosophy of Bangladeshi na-tionalism introduced by statesman Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is the country’s only inclusive and widely acceptable national identity which embraces people of all languages, religions, cultures and ethnic communities.
“In the concept of modern nationalism, no particular tribe, language, race or religion is the sole determi-nant of national identity. Rather, this modern national identity has evolved by embracing the diversity of a territory, common interests and the aspiration to build a shared future,” he said.
The minister made the remarks at a discussion on ‘President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi National-ism” held yesterday at city’s Jagannath University (JnU).
The JnU chapter of the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) organized the seminar.
Referring to the historical context, he said although Pakistan was established in the Indian subcontinent on the basis of religion, but religion alone could not keep a diverse state united, which ultimately led to the historic Language Movement of 1952 and the Liberation War of 1971.
He said the bravery, declaration of independence and leadership of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman during the Great War of Liberation are proven historical facts.
Speaking as the special guest in the seminar, Dhaka-7 constituency lawmaker Hamidur Rahman Hamid said Shaheed Ziaur Rahman was the architect of modern Bangladesh. After assuming responsibility fol-lowing the Sipahi-Janata Revolution on November 7, 1975, he guided the fragile state structure in the right direction and transformed it into a prosperous state.
JnU Vice-Chancellor Professor Rais Uddin addressed the seminar as the keynote speaker.
Chaired by UTAB JnU chapter President Professor Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin, the seminar was also attended as special guests by UTAB central committee Senior Vice-President and JnU Vice-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Shamsul Alam, JnU Treasurer Professor Dr Sabina Sharmin and acting President of the JnU Teachers’ Association Professor Dr Muhammad Manjur Murshed Bhuiyan.
Professor Dr Nasir Ahmad, general secretary of the UTAB JnU chapter, presented the keynote paper, while JnU Teachers’ Association General Secretary Professor Dr Imranul Haque delivered the welcome address.
