Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday said the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism represents an inclusive national identity that embraces all languages, religions, cultures, ethnic groups and communities living in the country.

He said the philosophy recognises every citizen residing within Bangladesh’s geographical boundary as an equal part of the national identity.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi Nationalism” as the chief guest at Jagannath University.

Jagannath University chapter of the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB).

Swapon said although Pakistan was established on the basis of religion, history proved that religion alone could not sustain the unity of a diverse state which was  reflected in the 1952 Language Movement and the 1971 Liberation War.

Highlighting the role of former president Ziaur Rahman in the Liberation War, the minister said his leadership and decision to declare independence played a significant role in organising the resistance during the early days of the war.

He described Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of independence and leadership during the Liberation War as established historical facts.

He said that even after independence, new debates emerged over the question of national identity, as a language-based identity alone did not become equally acceptable to all sections of the population.

In this context, Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman introduced the concept of citizen-based Bangladeshi nationalism, which sought to unite every citizen of Bangladesh under a common national identity with equal dignity.

Swapon said every citizen of Bangladesh enjoys equal dignity and rights under the identity of being Bangladeshi, irrespective of the language they speak, the religion they follow or the ethnic community they belong to.

He said the inclusive philosophy has strengthened the country's territorial integrity, national unity and pluralistic social order.

The minister also said nationalism in the modern world is shaped not only by language, religion or ethnicity but also by shared interests, territory, constitutional commitments and aspirations for a common future.

He added that Bangladeshi nationalism reflects that modern concept of nationhood.

He said there is no scope for denying one language or culture in an effort to promote another and Bangladeshi nationalism has evolved by respecting and embracing the country’s diverse languages, cultures, religious beliefs and ethnic identities.

He said the philosophy remains relevant as a foundation for national unity and solidarity and will continue to guide Bangladesh's future development.

Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman Hamid attended the programme as special guest, while Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Rais Uddin delivered the keynote address.