Swapan seeks protection of religious values from 'religion traders'  

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Saturday laid emphasis on keeping religious values beyond the interference of "religion traders" to safeguard the national integrity.

"If the religious values can be protected from 'religion traders', no force will remain there to defeat Bangladesh," he told a discussion to mark 47th death anniversary of distinguished politician Mashuir Rahman Jadu Mia at the Zahur Hossain Auditorium of Jatiya Press Club.

The minister said three healthy elements currently prevailed in Bangladesh's politics being spearheaded by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman which he identified as - Bangladeshi nationalism, multiparty democracy and religious values.

Swapan said the government under premier Rahman was determined to preserve these three elements. 

But he stressed the protection of boundaries of religious values from the religion traders saying if it could be ensured no force could defeat Bangladesh.

Jadu Mia was a right hand man of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani while Swapan called him a far-sighted leader recalling his role during a crucial transition when he virtually handed over Bhasani's "sheaf of paddy" symbol to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

"The political wisdom and contribution of Jadu Mia lies behind this politically symbolic transformation," the minister said adding though he died only at the age of 55 he helped laying the ground for multiparty democratic Bangladesh. 

Swapan said in that continuity Begum Khaleda Zia carried the symbol as a lantern for decades while it came to the hand of Tarique Rahman.

"Our government is consciously working to make visible the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism. Our clear message is Bangladesh first," he said.     �"BSS