‘Rebuild BD, shun street agitation’

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday called on all political forces to refrain from creating instability or engaging in conspiracies following the fall of fascism and the installation of an elected government, saying Bangladesh’s immediate priority should be rebuilding the nation rather than returning to street agitation.

Addressing a photo exhibition and discussion titled ’15 Years of Fascism and the Mass Uprising of 2024′ at the Jatiya Press Club, Swapon said the country had entered a new political phase after the democratic transition and urged everyone to contribute to national development.

The programme was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA) and Amra BNP Paribar.

Reflecting on the political movement that preceded the change in government, Swapon said democratic campaigns against autocracy and fascism had continued for 15 years under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

“For the past 15 years, democratic movements against autocracy and fascism were carried out under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and our leader Deshnayak Tarique Rahman. During the mass uprising of 2024, the courage of the younger generation, combined with our experience and long struggle for democratic values, ensured victory,” he said.

Referring to the February 12 election, the minister said voters had entrusted the government led by Tarique Rahman with the responsibility of governing the country.

“Following the mass uprising and democratic transition, there is no longer any scope for political confusion. Our primary task now is nation-building,” he added.

Swapon also warned against attempts to create unrest through online misinformation and political agitation.

“One group, instead of focusing on rebuilding the country, is engaged in conspiracies to stage dramas on the streets outside parliament and create a war-like atmosphere on social media. If necessary, the government will not hesitate to take strict measures for the security of the state and the welfare of the people,” he said.

The minister said the BNP’s long-standing objectives had been to restore voting rights, safeguard Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and re-establish a democratic environment.

“As those objectives have been achieved, our sole commitment now is to ensure the country’s development and reforms,” he said.

Speaking as the inaugurator, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan described the exhibition as an important initiative to preserve the history of the previous government’s rule and the 2024 mass uprising for future generations.

Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said attacks on mazars, assaults on Bauls and injustice against people were inconsistent with Bangladesh’s culture and the spirit of the 2024 movement.

He also called for swift state justice for the families of those killed and injured during the movement.
Principal Information Officer of the Press Information Department (PID), Syed Abdal Ahmed, said the July-August mass uprising was the culmination of Begum Khaleda Zia’s prolonged struggle to restore democracy during the previous regime. He urged all democratic forces to remain united against what he described as conspiracies by the fallen fascist forces.

Chairing the event, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary and Convener of Amra BNP Paribar, Atikur Rahman Ruman, said the BNP had never claimed exclusive credit for the 2024 movement.
“It was a movement of the entire nation irrespective of political affiliation.

The contributions of common people who participated in the movement cannot be undermined,” he said.

Ruman urged all sides to work together for national reconstruction instead of creating disorder by exploiting the legacy of the 2024 uprising. He also thanked photojournalists for continuing their work despite significant personal risks during the movement.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary-1 Zahidul Islam Rony, Bangladesh Photojournalists Association President AKM Mohsin, General Secretary Babul Talukdar and others attended the programme.

The event featured a photo exhibition titled ’15 Years of Fascism and the Mass Uprising of 2024′, organised by the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA) and Amra BNP Paribar. After the discussion, the chief guest and other invited guests toured the BPJA Gallery.