Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism introduced by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman remains the country's most inclusive and widely accepted national identity, embracing people of all languages, religions, cultures and ethnic communities.

"In the concept of modern nationalism, no particular tribe, language, race or religion is the sole determinant of national identity. Rather, national identity evolves by embracing the diversity of a territory, shared interests and the aspiration to build a common future," he said while addressing a seminar titled "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Bangladeshi Nationalism" at the central auditorium of Jagannath University (JnU). 

The event was organised by the JnU chapter of the University Teachers' Association of Bangladesh (UTAB).

Referring to history, he said Pakistan had been created on the basis of religion, but religion alone could not hold together a diverse state, leading ultimately to the Language Movement of 1952 and the Liberation War in 1971.

He said Ziaur Rahman's bravery, declaration of independence and leadership during the Liberation War were established historical facts.

Swapon said that even after independence, a language-based identity alone was not equally acceptable to all communities. Against that backdrop, Zia introduced the concept of citizen-based Bangladeshi nationalism.

He said the philosophy removes any identity crisis for the Chakma, Marma and other ethnic communities, as well as people of different faiths, while rejecting attempts to elevate one culture at the expense of another.

"'Bangladesh first, Bangladesh last' has united all citizens under a common national identity with equal dignity and has been the principal force in safeguarding the country's territorial integrity," he said.

On foreign policy, Swapon said Bangladesh would maintain friendly relations with all countries while placing national interests above all else.

"Beyond the country's interests, Bangladesh has no alternative destination," he said, warning that any departure from this principle could undermine national unity.

Speaking as the special guest, Dhaka-7 MP Hamidur Rahman Hamid described Zia as the architect of modern Bangladesh, saying he had guided the country through a fragile period following the Sipahi-Janata Revolution of November 7, 1975, and laid the foundation for a prosperous state.

JnU Vice-Chancellor Professor Rais Uddin delivered the keynote address.

The seminar, chaired by UTAB JnU chapter President Professor Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin, was also attended by UTAB Senior Vice-President and JnU Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Shamsul Alam, JnU Treasurer Professor Dr Sabina Sharmin, and acting President of the JnU Teachers' Association Professor Dr Muhammad Manjur Murshed Bhuiyan.

Professor Dr Nasir Ahmad, general secretary of the UTAB JnU chapter, presented the keynote paper, while JnU Teachers' Association General Secretary Professor Dr Imranul Haque delivered the welcome address.