Bangladesh is a blend of all ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups: Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that Bangladesh, covering 56,000 square miles, is like a human body. Just as every organ of the body is indispensable, the motherland is a blend of all ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups.

He said those who cannot embrace diversity or try to create divisions are anti-country. Embracing this diversity is true patriotism.

He made these remarks on Friday (May 15) afternoon at the 'Biju, Boisuk, Sangrai, Bishu, Changkran Post-Festival Reunion and Reception 2026' event at the Chittagong Hill Tracts Complex on Bailey Road in the capital.

The discussion meeting and friendly gathering were organized to honor the newly elected public representatives of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

Recalling the contribution of Ziaur Rahman, Zahir Uddin Swapan said that the late president established the concept of civic nationalism through 'Bangladeshi nationalism', where people of all languages, races, and ethnicities are equally respected as citizens of Bangladesh.

He further said that after returning to the country, Chief Adviser Tarek Rahman clearly declared in his speech about equal rights for citizens of the hills and plains. This declaration will serve as a foundation for future citizenship rights.

Calling upon the newly elected members of parliament, the minister said that to ensure national unity, laws must be made to guarantee the participation of all minority ethnic groups in state facilities. He urged them to discuss this with the leader of the house and the chief adviser, adding that he would stand by them as a colleague in any such initiative.

Referring to the July uprising and quota issue, the information minister said he welcomes the merit-based foundation established by the anti-discrimination student movement. The martyrs of the July uprising exposed the limitations of the democratic structure of the state with their blood and lives, creating new opportunities for state repair.

Chaired by Major (Retd.) Tapan Bikash Chakma, the event was attended by Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Advocate Dipen Dewan MP, Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan MP, Saching Pru Jerry MP, and reserved women's seat MP Advocate Madhabi Marma.