Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday described fascism as a form of “mental illness” rooted in the misuse of power and absence of accountability.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting with photojournalists held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Photo Journalist Association in Dhaka.
Swapon said power, if left unchecked, can act like a virus that gradually infects individuals and institutions. “Unless proper ‘antivirus’ measures - through democratic political processes - are applied in advance, this infection can push society and the state toward fascism,” he said.
The minister noted that the prestige and influence associated with power can easily corrupt individuals if vigilance is not maintained.
He added that the current government remains cautious about such risks and has already taken preventive steps.
“Even before assuming office, the Prime Minister instructed ministers and MPs not to misuse state privileges,” he said.
Emphasising the role of the media, Swapon said a responsible and alert press can act as a strong safeguard against authoritarian tendencies.
He also called on victims of past repression and injustices to come forward and file formal cases, warning that failure to do so could allow such issues to remain unresolved and resurface in the future.
Addressing journalists’ rights, he said the government is working to ensure structured recruitment and fair wages by recognising the media sector as an industry.
He expressed hope that proper salary frameworks would be implemented through Wage Board discussions.
The meeting was chaired by President of Bangladesh Photo Journalist Association AKM Mohsin and attended by leaders of journalist bodies, including the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and the Dhaka Union of Journalists, along with senior officials from the Press Information Department and Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust.
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