Published: 11:58 PM, 01 August 2026
Swapon warns against attempts to spread propaganda
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday warned against attempts to spread propaganda and create artificial crises in the country through social media.
He came up with the remarks while speaking at a photo exhibition and discussion titled '15 Years of Fascism and the Mass Uprising of 2024' at Jatiya Press Club in the capital. Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA) and 'Amra BNP Paribar' jointly organised the programme. Khabor 71, an online portal run by S M Tasdid Swad, was as media partner of the event. In addition to, The Mandate, a daily English newspaper is going to be published from the same platform in the days to come with the assistance from Dr Kamrul Ahsan.
Swapon said, ""One group, instead of focusing on rebuilding the country, is engaged in conspiracies to stage dramas on the streets outside parliament and create a war-like atmosphere on social media. If necessary, the government will not hesitate to take strict measures for the security of the state and the welfare of the people."
"The era of fascist upheaval is over. Now is our responsibility to build the country," he said.
The Minister said, "For the past 15 years, democratic movements against autocracy and fascism were carried out under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia and our leader Deshnayak Tarique Rahman. During the mass uprising of 2024, the courage of the younger generation, combined with our experience and long struggle for democratic values, ensured victory."
Zahir Uddin Swapon entrusted with intellect and intelligence led the BNP Communication Cell as the chief editor and served as director of the Bangladesh Nationalist Research and Communication Center. As one of the party's principal spokesmen during the opposition campaigns, he frequently interacted with the media and drafted communication strategies. In 2024 he joined the party's advisory council. As an advisor he was involved in campaigning for the general election held in 2026s.
Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary and Convener of 'Amra BNP Paribar' Atikur Rahman Ruman presided over the event.
Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Bangladesh Photojournalist Association President KM Mohsin and General Secretary Babul Talukder also spoke at the event.
