‘BD nationalism embraces all communities’
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday said the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism represents an inclusive national identity that embraces people of all languages, religions, cultures, ethnic groups and communities living in the country.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi Nationalism” at Jagannath University, he said the philosophy recognises every citizen living within Bangladesh’s geographical boundaries as an equal part of the national identity.
The seminar was organised by the Jagannath University chapter of the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB).
Swapon said the experience of Pakistan demonstrated that religion alone could not sustain the unity of a diverse state, pointing to the 1952 Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War as historical evidence.
Highlighting the role of former president Ziaur Rahman during the Liberation War, he said Zia’s leadership and declaration of independence played a crucial role in organising the resistance in the early stages of the war, describing both as established historical facts.
The minister said debates over national identity continued after independence, arguing that a language-based identity alone was not equally acceptable to all sections of society.
He said Ziaur Rahman addressed that challenge by introducing the concept of citizen-based Bangladeshi nationalism, which sought to unite all citizens under a shared national identity while ensuring equal dignity for everyone.
According to Swapon, every Bangladeshi enjoys equal rights and status regardless of language, religion or ethnic background, adding that the philosophy has strengthened the country’s territorial integrity, national unity and pluralistic social order.
He also said modern nationalism is shaped not only by language, religion or ethnicity, but also by shared interests, territory, constitutional values and aspirations for a common future, describing Bangladeshi nationalism as a reflection of that broader concept.
The minister added that there is no place for denying one language or culture to promote another, saying Bangladeshi nationalism has evolved by respecting and embracing the country’s diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and ethnic identities.
He said the philosophy remains relevant as a foundation for national unity and solidarity and will continue to guide Bangladesh’s future development.
Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman Hamid attended the programme as a special guest, while Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Rais Uddin delivered the keynote address.
