Swapon urges all to engage in nation-building, avoid conspiracies

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday urged all to refrain from creating instability and engaging in conspiracies on the streets following the fall of fascism and the formation of the elected government, and instead devote themselves to nation-building.

He made the call while addressing a photo exhibition and discussion titled '15 Years of Fascism and the Mass Uprising of 2024' at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka.

Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA) and 'Amra BNP Paribar' jointly organised the programme.

Swapon said, "For the past 15 years, democratic movements against autocracy and fascism were carried out under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and our leader Tarique Rahman. During the mass uprising of 2024, the courage of the younger generation, combined with our experience and long struggle for democratic values, ensured victory."

He said that in the 12 February election, the people of the country exercised their voting rights and entrusted the government led by Tarique Rahman with the responsibility of running the state.

"Following the mass uprising and democratic transition, there is no longer any scope for political confusion. Our primary task now is nation-building," he added.

Warning against attempts to spread propaganda and create artificial crises through social media, Swapon said, "One group, instead of focusing on rebuilding the country, is engaged in conspiracies to stage dramas on the streets outside parliament and create a war-like atmosphere on social media. If necessary, the government will not hesitate to take strict measures for the security of the state and the welfare of the people."

The minister stressed that while movements may be a profession for some, the BNP's primary objective was to restore voting rights, uphold an independent and sovereign Bangladesh, and re-establish a democratic environment.

"As those objectives have been achieved, our sole commitment now is to ensure the country's development and reforms," he said.

Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said, "Attacking mazars, assaulting Bauls, or committing injustice against people is not part of our culture or the spirit of the mass uprising of 2024. The government must take a tougher stance to stop such malpractice."

He said the mass uprising of 2024 was the culmination of a 17-year democratic movement and demanded swift state justice for the families of all martyrs and those injured during the movement.

After the discussion, the chief guest and other invited guests visited the BPJA Gallery.