Swapan says government prioritizes citizens’ aspirations

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said on Sunday that fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people will remain the government’s foremost objective.

“It is our moral responsibility to uphold the trust and confidence placed in us by the people. Therefore, meeting all expectations of the public will be our sole goal,” he said while exchanging greetings with BNP leaders and activists from Gournadi-Agailjhara at the Gournadi bus-stand auditorium.

The event was organised by the Gournadi Upazila and municipal units of the BNP.

Addressing leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated bodies, the minister described the administration under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as people-friendly, warning that no government representative should act in ways that harm ordinary citizens.

“We entered politics to safeguard the rights of common people. There can be no compromise on responsibility, patience, patriotism, and trust in the people,” he added.

Highlighting the vital role of the media in strengthening democracy, he said mass media must be developed as free, independent, and responsible institutions.

He stressed that media outlets should not be used as tools to promote the ruling party but should present the country’s internal issues objectively to the public. He also noted that the government has taken various steps to ensure the job security and safety of journalists working at the grassroots level.

Referring to the country’s economy, the minister observed that Bangladesh remains largely agriculture-based. Alongside the garment industry and remittances, agriculture forms a major pillar of the economy, with a significant portion of the population relying directly or indirectly on farming.

To strengthen the agricultural sector, he said the government has introduced a Farmer’s Card system to enable farmers to purchase seeds, pesticides, and farming equipment more easily. He added that the government has also declared a waiver of agricultural loans amounting to Taka 10,000 for farmers.

Leaders and activists from BNP and its affiliated organisations—including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Mohila Dal, and Sramik Dal—as well as representatives from various unions and wards attended the event.