Information Minister Emphasizes Secular Governance and Media Reform in Barishal Addresses
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Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan declared on Friday that the state’s commitment to religious harmony is anchored in the principle that while religious beliefs are personal, the state belongs to all citizens. Speaking as the chief guest at the biennial conference of the Barishal District Puja Celebration Council, the minister warned that any faction attempting to exploit religious practice for political gain will face public scrutiny and resistance.
The minister framed the current national climate as a struggle between humanity and anti-humanitarian forces. He emphasized that true religious practice requires the identification and rejection of those who treat faith as a business. According to Swapan, the health of a democracy relies on the public’s ability to distinguish between genuine religious devotion and cynical efforts to stoke communal tensions for political maneuvering.
Distinguishing between spiritual and political spheres, Swapan argued that political philosophies should be rooted in public welfare rather than religious dogma. He reminded the audience that political leaders are not beyond accountability and that a party’s legitimacy remains contingent upon its service to the populace. He noted that voters, regardless of their past political affiliations, are driven by the pursuit of their social, economic, and religious rights, and that these rights remain the ultimate barometer for any government’s performance.
Reiterating a pledge regarding state governance, the minister acknowledged that the current administration is mindful of its responsibilities to the electorate. He underscored that failing to fulfill promises would lead to the same political consequences faced by previous administrations, affirming that the state remains committed to equality for all citizens regardless of their faith.
Following the conference, the minister met with representatives from the Barishal Television and Multimedia Association and the district committee for the prevention of violence against journalists at the Barishal Circuit House. During this session, he announced that the government is in the process of establishing a media commission designed to ensure accountability within the industry and to foster a professional environment for journalists.
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