Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today spoke at a discussion to mark 47th death anniversary of distinguished politician Mashuir Rahman Jadu Mia at the Jatiya Press Club. Photo: BSS

   DHAKA, Mar 14, 2026 (BSS) – Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today laid emphasis on keeping religious values beyond the interference of “religion traders” to safeguard the national integrity.

   “If the religious values can be protected from ‘religion traders’, no force will remain there to defeat Bangladesh,” he told a discussion to mark 47th death anniversary of distinguished politician Mashuir Rahman Jadu Mia at the Zahur Hossain Auditorium of Jatiya Press Club.

   The minister said three healthy elements currently prevailed in Bangladesh’s politics being spearheaded by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman which he identified as – Bangladeshi nationalism, multiparty democracy and religious values.

   Swapan said the government under premier Rahman was determined to preserve these three elements. 

  But he stressed the protection of boundaries of religious values from the religion traders saying if it could be ensured no force could defeat Bangladesh.

   Jadu Mia was a right hand man of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani while Swapan called him a far-sighted leader recalling his role during a crucial transition when he virtually handed over Bhasani’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

   “The political wisdom and contribution of Jadu Mia lies behind this politically symbolic transformation,” the minister said adding though he died only at the age of 55 he helped laying the ground for multiparty democratic Bangladesh. 
   Swapan said in that continuity Begum Khaleda Zia carried the symbol as a lantern for decades while it came to the hand of Tarique Rahman.
 
   “Our government is consciously working to make visible the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism. Our clear message is Bangladesh first,” he said.

   The minister added: “Those who are fascinated with Delhi or those who feel a pull towards Pindi - we want to awaken them from that illusion with the slogan ‘Bangladesh first’”.

   Swapan said a a certain quarter had tried to create controversy over the February 12 election and delay the polling as well but “we succeeded in holding the polls as the most crucial element of democracy”.  

   Mentioning that the journey of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad began on March 12, he said that in 1991, under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia, parliamentary politics in the country regained new life and later it was snatched away by autocrat Ershad and undermined during the rule of Sheikh Hasina.

   Referring to the political changeover of 1975, the minister said that the Awami League’s one-party rule had created that dreadful political context.

   “From Khondaker Mostaq to Justice Sayem, the anarchy that had emerged was overcome when soldiers and people freed Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, rescuing the nation from that disorder,” he added.

   Swapan said leaders like Jadu Mia stood beside President Zia at that time, which eventually allowed the Awami League’s rebirth for the second time.

   Presided over by eminent rhymester Abu Saleh, the discussion was addressed by Professor Dr Mahbub Ullah as the main speaker.

   Among others, leaders including one of the leaders of Ganatantra Mancha and Chairman of Bhasani Janashakti Party Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablul, noted politician Syed Didar Bakht and Jadu Mia’s daughter Rita Rahman also spoke at the programme.