Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that those who distort history cannot survive when historical truths become clear. He made the remarks on Saturday at a discussion titled “Implementation of the Signed July Charter in National Reconstruction,” organized by Amra Bangladeshi at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka. The minister said fascist forces in the past had tried to divide and polarize Bangladesh’s politics for their own interests, but the people’s power and democratic movements rejected such artificial narratives.

Swapan emphasized that Bangladesh’s people have built a distinct national identity rooted in their own history, language, culture, and values. He said the country’s political and philosophical foundation lies in Bangladeshi nationalism, shaped by the experiences and aspirations of its citizens. He also highlighted that national interest must remain central to all policymaking and called for strengthening SAARC and the United Nations frameworks to enhance Bangladesh’s global standing.

The discussion, chaired by BNP leader Syed Ehsanul Huda, featured economist Professor Mahbubullah as the main discussant and several political leaders as special guests, who stressed collective efforts to uphold democratic values and national interests.