Fascism is a mental disease born from the abuse of power and lack of accountability, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said, warning that there is a “virus” in power that can turn into fascism if not controlled.
The minister made the remarks during an exchange meeting with the Bangladesh Photojournalist Association (BPJA) in Dhaka on Wednesday.
In a democratic system, the people are the owners of the state, and elections are the main medium to ensure the practice of that ownership, he said.
Highlighting the importance of the media, the minister said a conscious and responsible media can play the most effective role in preventing fascism.
He called upon victims to file complaints through legal processes to ensure justice for past crimes, torture, and injustices. Otherwise, these complaints will remain confined to political rhetoric and create the risk of fascism emerging again in the future.
The government has been vigilant from the beginning to prevent abuse of power, and instructions have been given for restraint in availing various facilities for public representatives, he added.
Regarding the development of the media sector, the minister said the government is working to ensure a fair pay structure for journalists.
Noting the professional importance of photojournalists, he said a powerful image sometimes becomes a commentary on history and plays an important role in highlighting the realities of society.
The minister also said he would take the initiative to establish a training institute for photojournalists at the current building of the Photojournalist Association.
He called upon photojournalists to train themselves to keep pace with changes in media work brought about by technological development.
Among others who spoke at the meeting were Journalists’ Welfare Trust MD Basir Jamal, Chief Information Officer Yakub Ali, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, DUJ President Shahidul Islam, BPJA President AKM Mohsin, and Secretary Babul Talukdar.
