No place for obstacles to nation-building, says Swapon

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said no one would be allowed to obstruct the country's nation-building efforts, warning that the government would act in the interest of the state and the people if necessary, reports UNB.

"The era of fascist upheaval is over. Now is our responsibility to build the country," he said while addressing a photo exhibition and discussion titled '15 Years of Fascism and the Mass Uprising of 2024' at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Saturday.

Swapon said the government will first seek constructive and peaceful solutions to any problems but will not hesitate to take necessary action if the country's interests were at stake.

Highlighting the role of young people, he said they possess courage and energy, but experience and wisdom are equally important. "There is no shame in admitting this. Those who fail to understand it risk a bleak future," he added.

The minister said Bangladesh had entered a new phase after the fall of fascism and stressed the need to strengthen democratic institutions and parliamentary culture. He criticised those who, he claimed, preferred street politics over parliamentary democracy.

He also alleged that some groups were trying to create instability through social media and street agitation instead of contributing constructively to the democratic process, adding that the government remained alert to such attempts while continuing to pursue peaceful solutions.

Swapon praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for what he described as his leadership and encouragement to protesters during the anti-fascist movement.

Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary and Convener of Amra BNP Paribar Atikur Rahman Ruman presided over the programme. Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Bangladesh Photojournalist Association President KM Mohsin and General Secretary Babul Talukder also addressed the event.