Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan. Photo: Collected

BARISHAL, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) - After more than three decades, Barishal has 
once again secured a full-fledged cabinet minister, sparking widespread joy 
and celebration across the region.

On Tuesday, BNP Chairperson's Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan was sworn in as the 
Information and Broadcasting Minister. He was elected as a Member of 
Parliament (MP) from Barishal-1 constituency, which comprises Gouranadi and 
Agailjhara upazilas.

Residents, political leaders, and members of civil society in Barishal 
expressed their excitement, describing the appointment as a long-awaited 
development for what they termed a historically neglected region.

Swapan, a resident of Sarikol village in Gouranadi upazila, secured 1,00,552 
votes in the recent concluding parliamentary election. He previously served 
as the convener of the BNP's media cell during challenging times for the 
party. Notably, he was also elected from the same constituency in 2001 with 
81,791 votes, defeating Awami League (AL) candidate Abul Hasanat Abdullah, a 
cousin of Sheikh Hasina.

Local BNP leaders hailed the development as a milestone. Barishal District 
Jubo Dal Organising Secretary Hafiz Ahmed Bablu said Barishal first received 
a minister in 1972, with the last full minister appointed in 1986. "After 
nearly three decades, we are delighted to once again have a full minister 
from Barishal under a BNP-led government," he said.

BNP's Barishal Divisional Organising Secretary Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin 
also welcomed the appointment, expressing gratitude to the party leadership. 
"It is undoubtedly good news for us. We are thankful to the BNP chairperson 
for entrusting Barishal with such an important ministry. We hope the region 
will receive further representation in the cabinet in future," she added.

Political observers believe Swapan's appointment could bring renewed focus to 
development initiatives and greater national representation for Barishal.