Swapon Urges All to Focus on Nation-Building, Avoid Conspiracies

Online Desk : Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday urged everyone to refrain from creating instability and engaging in conspiracies following the fall of fascism and the formation of the elected government, calling instead for collective efforts toward nation-building.

He made the remarks while addressing a photo exhibition and discussion titled ’15 Years of Fascism and the Mass Uprising of 2024′ at the Jatiya Press Club.

The programme was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA) and ‘Amra BNP Paribar’.

Swapon said, “For the past 15 years, democratic movements against autocracy and fascism were carried out under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and our leader Deshnayak Tarique Rahman. During the mass uprising of 2024, the courage of the younger generation, combined with our experience and long struggle for democratic values, ensured victory.”

Referring to the February 12 election, he said the people exercised their voting rights and entrusted the government led by Tarique Rahman with the responsibility of running the country.

“Following the mass uprising and democratic transition, there is no longer any scope for political confusion. Our primary task now is nation-building,” he said.

The minister also warned against attempts to spread propaganda and create artificial crises through social media.

“One group, instead of focusing on rebuilding the country, is engaged in conspiracies to stage dramas on the streets outside parliament and create a war-like atmosphere on social media. If necessary, the government will not hesitate to take strict measures for the security of the state and the welfare of the people,” he said.

Swapon said that while political movements may be a profession for some, the BNP’s primary objectives had been to restore voting rights, uphold an independent and sovereign Bangladesh and re-establish a democratic environment.

“As those objectives have been achieved, our sole commitment now is to ensure the country’s development and reforms,” he added.

Speaking as the inaugurator, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said the photo exhibition was a commendable initiative that would help present the history of the fascist misrule and the mass uprising of 2024 to future generations.

He said the exhibition would enable future generations to learn the correct history and understand the sacrifices made during the movement.

Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said attacks on mazars, assaults on Bauls and injustice against people were not part of the country’s culture or the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising.

He urged the government to take tougher measures to stop such practices.

Kader Gani also said the 2024 mass uprising was the culmination of a 17-year democratic movement and demanded swift justice for the families of those killed and injured during the movement.

PID Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed said the July-August mass uprising was the culmination of Begum Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising struggle to restore democracy during the previous autocratic regime.

He called on everyone to remain united against the conspiracies of what he described as the fallen fascist forces rather than creating divisions among those who took part in the movement.

Presiding over the programme, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary and Convener of ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ Atikur Rahman Ruman said the BNP had never claimed sole credit for the 2024 movement.

“It was a movement of the entire nation irrespective of political affiliation. The contributions of common people who participated in the movement cannot be undermined,” he said.

He urged all to work together to build the country instead of creating disorder by exploiting the mass uprising of 2024.

Ruman also thanked photojournalists for carrying out their professional responsibilities despite significant personal risks during the country’s critical period.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary-1 Zahidul Islam Rony, Bangladesh Photojournalists Association President AKM Mohsin, General Secretary Babul Talukdar and others attended the programme.

Following the discussion, the chief guest and other invited guests visited the BPJA Gallery.