Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said ensuring the country’s social and political stability is the single biggest challenge for the days ahead, as he urged all to remain united against attempts to create division and conflict.
Swapon made the remarks while addressing the prize distribution ceremony of the “Islamic Protijogita 2026” as chief guest at the Uttara Community Centre in the capital on Wednesday.
The event was hosted by local Member of Parliament SM Jahangir Hossain.
“Due to past political instability and the politics of division, such a critical situation had been created in the country that even the environment for organising religious and educational programmes was disrupted,” Swapon told the audience.
He said that, at one time, certain quarters began to view the religious identity, cap, beard, and practices with suspicion, a tendency he described as contrary to Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of religious and social harmony.
“Those who seized state power without voters and in isolation from the public created divisions among the people for various reasons,” the information minister alleged.
He observed that the voter-less and public-isolated governance system used division as a political strategy, with attempts to create religious discord being a key part of that approach.
Swapon noted that the people of Bangladesh have for generations carried the tradition of peaceful coexistence among various religions, castes and cultures.
“Islam, along with all other religions, teaches respect for the beliefs of others. Therefore, there is no room for creating division and conflict in society,” he added.
The information minister expressed optimism that Islamic Protijogita 2026 would play an important role in developing madrasa students’ talents, reasoning skills, and moral education.
“Such initiatives will help establish a balanced and peaceful environment in society,” he said.
Economic challenges
On the country’s economic situation, Swapon said the massive debt and economic crisis left behind by the previous government have become a major challenge for the current administration.
The information minister informed that approximately Tk30 lakh crore in debt and the pressure of repaying foreign loans must be managed for economic recovery.
“Time and social stability are needed,” he said, adding that if political and social peace can be maintained for the next two years, economic recovery will be possible.
He called on all citizens to remain vigilant against attempts to create instability and division.
Referring to constructive debate in parliament as part of democracy, the minister said everyone must ensure that parliamentary differences do not, in any way, lead to conflict or disorder on the streets.
Labeling those who hold religious values as important allies in ensuring social stability, Swapon said scholars and religious leaders can play a vital role in maintaining peace, compassion, and harmony in society.
Present at the ceremony were local Member of Parliament SM Jahangir Hossain, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram Allama Abdul Malek, Maulana Nazmul Hasan Kasemi, along with other scholars, students, parents, and dignitaries.
