Swapon urges all to engage in nation-building, avoid conspiracies 

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today (1 August) urged all to refrain from creating instability and engaging in conspiracies on the streets following the fall of fascism and the formation of the elected government, and instead devote themselves to nation-building. 

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

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

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.”

He said that in the February 12 election, the people of the country exercised their voting rights and entrusted the government led by Tarique Rahman with the responsibility of running the state. “Following the mass uprising and democratic transition, there is no longer any scope for political confusion. Our primary task now is nation-building,” he added.

Warning against attempts to spread propaganda and create artificial crises through social media, Swapon said, “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.”

The minister stressed that while movements may be a profession for some, the BNP’s primary objective was 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 said.

Speaking as the inaugurator, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said the photo exhibition was highly commendable as it would properly present the history of the fascist misrule and the mass uprising of 2024 to future generations. Through this initiative, future generations would be able to learn the correct history and the sacrifices made, he added.

Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said, “Attacking mazars, assaulting Bauls, or committing injustice against people is not part of our culture or the spirit of the mass uprising of 2024. The government must take a tougher stance to stop such malpractice.” 

He said the mass uprising of 2024 was the culmination of a 17-year democratic movement and demanded swift state justice for the families of all martyrs and those 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 urged all to remain united to thwart the conspiracies of the fallen fascist forces instead of creating artificial divisions and conspiracies among the victorious forces of the movement.

Presiding over the function, 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 movement of 2024. “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 added.

He called on all to work together to build the country instead of creating any kind of anarchy by exploiting the mass uprising of 2024. He also thanked photojournalists for performing their duties at great personal risk during the nation’s critical period.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary-1 Zahidul Islam Rony, Bangladesh Photojournalists Association President AKM Mohsin and General Secretary Babul Talukdar, among others, were present at the event.

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