Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday said Bangladeshi nationalism represents an inclusive national identity that embraces all languages, religions, cultures, ethnic groups and communities living in the country.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi Nationalism’ at Jagannath University, he said the philosophy recognises every citizen within Bangladesh’s geographical boundaries as an equal and valued part of the national identity.
The seminar was organised by the Jagannath University chapter of the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB).
Swapon said Pakistan’s creation on the basis of religion proved that religion alone could not sustain unity in a diverse society. He referred to the 1952 Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War as examples of the challenges faced by a state attempting to unite people through a single identity.
Highlighting the role of former president Ziaur Rahman during the Liberation War, the minister said his leadership and declaration of independence contributed significantly to organising resistance during the early stages of the war.
He said post-independence debates over national identity showed that a language-based identity alone was not equally acceptable to all sections of society. In this context, he said, Ziaur Rahman introduced the concept of citizen-based Bangladeshi nationalism aimed at bringing all citizens together with equal dignity and rights.
Swapon said modern nationalism is shaped not only by language, religion or ethnicity but also by shared interests, territory, constitutional values and aspirations for a common future.
He added that Bangladeshi nationalism respects the country’s diverse identities and remains relevant as a foundation for national unity and solidarity.
Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman Hamid attended the programme as the special guest, while Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Rais Uddin delivered the keynote address.
