Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said Bangladeshis do not need to seek validation of their national identity from outside the country, asserting that Bangladeshi nationalism remains one of the nation’s most significant achievements.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled “Implementation of the July Charter Signed for National Reconstruction” held at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Kakrail in the capital.
Swapon said the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism established by late president Ziaur Rahman reflects the country’s unique historical, cultural and political identity.
“We are ethnically Bangladeshi. Bangladeshi nationalism, introduced by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, is a great achievement for the nation,” he said.
The minister added that Bangladeshis do not need to obtain “certificates” of nationalism or cultural identity from Kolkata or any other place beyond the country’s borders.
Referring to regional cooperation, Swapon said if efforts are being made to unite large populations elsewhere, the people of the South Asian region should also work towards greater unity through regional platforms.
He said the government intends to advance regional interests through SAARC while continuing to engage with the wider international community through the United Nations.
The minister also credited BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman with providing leadership and direction during what he described as a national crisis, saying the slogans and messages delivered at the time inspired participants in the July movement and contributed to the country’s political transformation.
Swapon hinted that the organisation Amra Bangladeshi, which hosted the event, could formally begin its activities on August 5.
Delivering the keynote address, noted economist Prof Dr Mahbub Ullah described national unity as Bangladesh’s “greatest strength” and said the implementation of the July Mandate reflected the spirit of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s concept of a social contract.
He urged political parties and stakeholders to determine the framework for implementing the mandate through dialogue and consensus.
State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur said the government was committed to implementing all provisions of the July Mandate that had been agreed upon.
He also described the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year as people-oriented and welfare-focused, although he expressed reservations about the introduction of a bicameral parliament in Bangladesh.
Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said the July Mandate had subsequently incorporated a provision for a referendum and received public approval. He suggested that the BNP, with its parliamentary majority, now had the opportunity to pursue the reforms outlined in the mandate.
MP Shahadat Hossain Selim reaffirmed support for the July Mandate and criticised the former interim administration, alleging that attempts had been made to delay elections and undermine democratic transition.
The discussion was chaired by Syed Ehsanul Huda, chief initiator of Amra Bangladeshi, who stressed the importance of protecting national sovereignty and implementing the July Mandate in line with public expectations.
The event, moderated by Tamiz Uddin Titu, was also addressed by BNP leaders Abu Naser Muhammad Rahmatullah, Md Rashed Khan and Mominul Amin.
