Not just 140 crore, 220 crore people must be united: Information Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapan has said the goal must be to unite not just 140 crore but 220 crore people in South Asia. A effective future can be built by strengthening regional cooperation and national identity.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'Implementation of the July Charter for National Reconstruction' at the Freedom Fighter Auditorium of the Diploma Engineers' Institution in the capital on Saturday, June 13.

The information minister said that although those who speak Bengali in Bangladesh and outside the country speak the same language, there are differences in their thinking. The people of Bangladesh have a distinct ethnic identity, and it is crucial to strengthen that identity.

He further said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's Bangladeshi nationalism is an important political philosophy that has played a role in shaping national identity. There is an opportunity to move forward the people of SAARC countries together through regional cooperation.

At the meeting, he said national unity is extremely important for development and stability. Certain quarters are trying to create instability by spreading confusion.

Economist Professor Mahbub Ullah, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment State Minister Nurul Haque Nur, and Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque were also present at the discussion.