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Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Wednesday said a diverse state cannot remain united in the long term on the basis of religion alone, describing Bangladeshi nationalism as an inclusive national identity that embraces the country’s languages, religions, cultures and ethnic communities.
He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Martyr President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi Nationalism”, organised by the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB), Jagannath University chapter, at Jagannath University.
The minister said Bangladeshi nationalism recognises every citizen living within Bangladesh’s geographical boundaries as an equal part of the national identity, regardless of language, religion, culture or ethnicity.
“Although Pakistan was founded on the basis of religion, history has shown that religion alone cannot hold together a diverse state over the long term,” he said, adding that the 1952 Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War reflected that historical reality.
Swapan also highlighted the role of late President Ziaur Rahman during the Liberation War, saying his leadership and decision-making at the outset of the war played a significant role in organising the resistance.
He said Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence and his leadership during the Liberation War are “historically established facts.”
According to the minister, debates over national identity continued even after independence, as a language-based identity alone was not equally accepted by all communities.
In that context, he said, Ziaur Rahman introduced the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism, a civic-based national identity that gives equal recognition and dignity to every citizen.
Swapan said every Bangladeshi, regardless of the language they speak, the religion they follow or the ethnic group they belong to, enjoys equal rights and status under the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism.
He added that the inclusive philosophy has strengthened the country’s territorial integrity, national unity and pluralistic social structure.
The minister said nationalism in the modern world is no longer defined solely by language, religion or ethnicity, but is instead based on shared citizenship, territory, constitutional commitments and a common vision for the future.
He also said promoting one language or culture should not come at the expense of others, adding that Bangladeshi nationalism respects and accommodates all languages, cultures, religious beliefs and ethnic identities in the country.
The seminar was chaired by Professor Mohammad Nasir Uddin, president of the UTAB Jagannath University chapter. Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman Hamid attended as a special guest, while Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Rais Uddin delivered the keynote address.
The keynote paper was presented by Professor Nasir Ahmad, general secretary of the UTAB Jagannath University chapter.
