Politics must serve people: Swapon

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Friday said politics should be a means of improving people’s lives rather than merely a way to enjoy power.

Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a month-long tree plantation programme at Barishal University, organised to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the minister said political parties must demonstrate through their actions that they are committed to changing the people’s fate.

“Politics is not merely a process of enjoying power. Any political party that comes to power or seeks to do so must prove its commitment through its activities,” he said.

Swapon said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had demonstrated such commitment and urged the Ziaur Rahman Foundation to continue its welfare-oriented activities alongside the government’s efforts.

Responding to a question about the prime minister’s visit to Barishal, the minister said the visit would primarily focus on a tree plantation campaign.

He added that the prime minister would also hold discussions with key party leaders and public representatives on the development of the southern region.

The programme was chaired by Barishal University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Mamun Or Rashid and attended by Ziaur Rahman Foundation Executive Director Prof Dr Farhad Halim Doner, Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin, teachers, students and local Chhatra Dal leaders and activists.