Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has condemned the politicisation of institutions like press clubs, calling it ‘fascism.’
He made the remarks during a visit to the Chattogram Press Club on Wednesday, where he held an interactive session with journalists.
The minister said that when national institutions are exploited for party, personal, or familial interests, they fail to carry out their core responsibilities.
He criticised the previous Awami League government, claiming it had turned the entire state machinery into a partisan structure, including converting the police into a politically loyal force.
“The transformation of press clubs into party-affiliated entities has made these once-universal institutions controversial and less credible in the eyes of the public,” he said.
The minister assured that in cases of internal disputes at press clubs, there would be no interference from the state, police, or any political party.
He urged journalists to resolve institutional issues internally, according to the club’s constitution.
Zahir Uddin Swapan expressed hope that vigilant members of press clubs would hold past politicisation accountable.
He described the BNP as a liberal democratic force and warned against any attempt to establish an “alternative fascist culture” under the guise of religion. “My government will not return to the old practice of running the administration based on personal whims,” he added.
During the visit, he also requested the reinstallation of the nameplate of the late President Ziaur Rahman at the Chattogram Press Club.
The session was chaired by Chattogram Press Club President Zahidul Karim Kochi, with General Secretary Golam Maola Murad moderating.
Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists (CMUJ) President Mohammad Shahnewaz delivered welcome addressed.
National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Bangladesh Federal Union Journalists Secretary General Qader Gani Chowdhury, and Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Karim Minya also present at.
