Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism introduced by statesman Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman is the country's only inclusive and widely acceptable national identity which embraces people of all languages, religions, cultures and ethnic communities.

"In the concept of modern nationalism, no particular tribe, language, race or religion is the sole determinant of national identity. Rather, this modern national identity has evolved by embracing the diversity of a territory, common interests and the aspiration to build a shared future," he said.

The minister made the remarks at a seminar titled "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi Nationalism" held today at the central auditorium of Jagannath University (JnU).
The JnU chapter of the University Teachers' Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) organised the seminar.

Referring to the historical context, he said although Pakistan was established in the Indian subcontinent on the basis of religion, but religion alone could not keep a diverse state united, which ultimately led to the historic Language Movement of 1952 and the Liberation War of 1971.

He said the bravery, declaration of independence and leadership of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman during the Great War of Liberation are proven historical facts. 

However, even after independence, an identity crisis persisted as a language-based identity alone was not equally acceptable to all communities of the country, he noted, saying in that context Shaheed Zia presented the philosophy of citizen-based 'Bangladeshi nationalism'.

Zahir Uddin Swapon said the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism leaves no identity crisis for Chakma, Marma, other small ethnic communities or people of different faiths. It also offers no scope to deny one culture in an attempt to establish another.

 'Bangladesh first, Bangladesh last' - this philosophy has united all citizens under a common national identity with equal dignity, and has served as the main driving force in preserving the country's territorial integrity," he said.

About foreign relations, the minister said, "Everyone is our friend, but we will practice friendship on the basis of Bangladesh's interests. Beyond the country's interests, Bangladesh has no alternative destination."

He warned that any thinking that deviates from this philosophy could weaken national unity.

Speaking as the special guest in the seminar, Dhaka-7 constituency lawmaker Hamidur Rahman Hamid said Shaheed Ziaur Rahman was the architect of modern Bangladesh. After assuming responsibility following the Sipahi-Janata Revolution on 7 November 1975, he guided the fragile state structure in the right direction and transformed it into a prosperous state.

JnU Vice-Chancellor Professor Rais Uddin addressed the seminar as the keynote speaker.

Chaired by UTAB JnU chapter President Professor Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin, the seminar was also attended as special guests by UTAB central committee Senior Vice-President and JnU Vice-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Shamsul Alam, JnU Treasurer Professor Dr Sabina Sharmin and acting President of the JnU Teachers' Association Professor Dr Muhammad Manjur Murshed Bhuiyan.

Professor Dr Nasir Ahmad, general secretary of the UTAB JnU chapter, presented the keynote paper, while JnU Teachers' Association General Secretary Professor Dr Imranul Haque delivered the welcome address.