Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today spoke at an Iftar and Doa Mahfil organized by ‘Begum Khaleda Zia Smriti Sangsad’ in memory of former Prime Minister late Begum Zia at an auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity. Photo : PID

DHAKA, March 7, 2026 (BSS)- Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said Bangladesh has entered a new era under the unprecedented leadership of Prime Minister  Tarique Rahman. 

“Tarique Rahman has taken charge as the country's Prime Minister with the mandate of the people of the country. Tarique Rahman has transformed into the leader of the nation by the people's vote and assumed the responsibility of Prime Minister just after 57 days of stepping foot on the country's soil on December 25,” he said.

He said these while addressing an Iftar and Doa Mahfil organized by ‘Begum Khaleda Zia Smriti Sangsad’ in memory of former Prime Minister late Begum Zia at an auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) here.

Jahir Uddin Swapan said, “If our leader Begum Khaleda Zia were alive now, she would have been the happiest. Every mother in the world wants to see her child proud, but unfortunately, her dream was fulfilled within a few days of her death.”

He said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman brought important changes in the country's economy in a short period of time. He led famine-stricken Bangladesh towards food self-sufficiency and laid the foundation for a production-oriented economy by converting industries and factories to private ownership, he added.

Paying rich tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, the information minister said, “Begum Zia was performing her family duties as a housewife. But after the death of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, she had to take to the streets to fill up the political vacuum in the country and restore democracy.”

He said Begum Khaleda Zia played an important role in reinstating the people's voting rights.

Professor Dr Sukomal Barua presided over the meeting while member secretary of the organization Saif Mahamud Jewel conducted it.