Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said the doctrine of Bangladeshi nationalism, established by former president Ziaur Rahman, remains the nation’s sole inclusive and broadly accepted identity.
This national framework is designed to encompass all citizens, regardless of their linguistic, religious, cultural, or ethnic backgrounds.
Addressing a seminar at Jagannath University (JnU), the minister explained that contemporary nationalism is not defined by any single race, language, or faith.
Instead, he described modern identity as a collective evolution rooted in a shared territory, mutual interests, and a unified vision for the future.
The event, titled “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi Nationalism,” was hosted at the university’s central auditorium by the local chapter of the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB).
Providing historical context, Swapon noted that while religion served as the foundation for Pakistan, it proved insufficient to maintain unity within a diverse population. This failure, he observed, ultimately sparked the 1952 Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War.
The minister highlighted that Ziaur Rahman’s leadership, declaration of independence, and courage during the struggle for liberation are established historical truths.
He argued that a language-centric identity following independence failed to provide a sense of belonging for all communities, leading to an identity crisis. In response, Ziaur Rahman introduced a “citizen-based” philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism.
According to Swapon, this inclusive ideology ensures that ethnic groups such as the Chakma and Marma, as well as followers of various religions, do not face an identity crisis.
He added that philosophy prevents any attempt to suppress one culture in favour of another.
The minister further stated that the principle of “Bangladesh first, Bangladesh last” has been a unifying force, granting equal dignity to all citizens and safeguarding the nation’s territorial sovereignty.
Regarding international affairs, he clarified that while Bangladesh maintains a policy of universal friendship, such relations must always prioritise the country’s own interests.
He cautioned that moving away from this nationalist philosophy could undermine the unity of the nation.
Also speaking at the seminar, Hamidur Rahman Hamid, the member of Parliament for Dhaka-7, described Ziaur Rahman as the “architect of modern Bangladesh”. He credited Zia with stabilising the nation’s fragile structure and leading it toward prosperity after the Sipahi-Janata Revolution on 7 November 1975.
The seminar featured a keynote address by JnU Vice-Chancellor Professor Rais Uddin and was chaired by Professor Mohammad Nasir Uddin, president of the UTAB JnU chapter.
Other notable attendees included JnU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Shamsul Alam, Treasurer Professor Sabina Sharmin, and Professor Muhammad Manjur Murshed Bhuiyan, the acting president of the JnU Teachers’ Association.
The keynote paper was delivered by UTAB JnU chapter General Secretary Professor Nasir Ahmad, while Professor Imranul Haque, general ecretary of the JnU Teachers’ Association, gave the opening remarks.
