Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon spoke at Jatiya Press Club during a book unveiling ceremony. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, August 17, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said Bangladeshi nationalism is the strongest and most effective political philosophy for uniting all people on the basis of their civic identity, eliminating divisions based on religion, race, language, or ethnic identity.

 “Although various political parties emerged in the country after independence, there were fundamental differences among them regarding nationalism, the state, and civic identity. We must develop a sustainable philosophy of governance that recognizes and upholds the proper identity and dignity of all people living within Bangladesh’s 56,000-square-mile territory,” he said.

Swapon was addressing as the chief guest the unveiling and publication ceremony of a book titled “Bangladeshi Nationalism, Tarique Rahman and the Current Context” at Jatiya Press Club here.

Noting that the culture of the majority and the culture of democracy are not the same thing, he said in a democratic state, it is essential to ensure equal rights and security for minority communities alongside the majority. 

A review of history shows that identity-based divisions contributed to various crises, including developments in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, he said.

“These experiences teach us that the fundamental political structure of the state must be built while embracing diversity,” he added.

Recalling the historic contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the minister said Shaheed Zia developed the political framework of Bangladeshi nationalism to strengthen multiparty democracy as well as the coexistence of diverse opinions and cultures instead of a single and uniform identity. 

Following the political changeover of 1975 and amid the crisis that followed, he introduced a new political trend in the country through the establishment of multiparty politics and founding of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he said. 

He said the torch lit by Shaheed Ziaur Rahman was carried forward by his wife Begum Khaleda Zia through a long period of political struggle and movement. 

Now their son Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is carrying out the same tradition, he said. 

To understand the current political reality and the inherent strength of Tarique Rahman’s visionary leadership, it is extremely important to gain a deep understanding of the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism, he said.

BNP Chairman’s Adviser Advocate Nazmul Haque Nannu chaired the event while Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP, also spoke at the event.