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Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic integrity, stating that the journey toward free and fair elections will continue through the constitutional reinstatement of a non-party, neutral caretaker government system.
Emphasising accountability, he noted that further critical evaluations of the three controversial elections held during the tenure of the Awami League will be undertaken in the interest of democracy.
Swapon highlighted the significance of the publication “Firee Dekha Sei Somoi”, a compilation of articles by Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran, describing it as a political “antivirus” that could guide future governance.
He said the book would serve as a valuable resource for historians and researchers studying contemporary political developments.
Reflecting on recent history, the Information Minister said the lessons learned by Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, have now become part of the nation’s history.
He said the BNP-led government would continuously apply these lessons to ensure good governance and democratic accountability.
Swapon made these remarks as the chief guest at the unveiling ceremony of “Firey Dekha Sei Somoi”, a collection of essays previously published in national dailies.
According to a media release, the book presents a stark and critical portrayal of the past governance under the Awami League, featuring 38 articles addressing themes such as political repression, electoral malpractice, and public dissent.
Speaking at the event, Kiran elaborated on the motivation behind the publication. He claimed that Sheikh Hasina and her administration had operated under the assumption of indefinite political dominance.
However, he said the July Uprising decisively reaffirmed a fundamental democratic principle: that sovereignty ultimately resides with the people.
Kiran contended that although the Constitution of Bangladesh clearly establishes the people as the source of all state power, this principle was not upheld in practice during the previous administration (AL).
Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University Professor Dr. Siddiqur Rahman Khan, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Daily Jugantor Editor Abdul Hai Sikder, BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, and academics, journalists, and public intellectuals were present.