People are the owners, we are only their servants: Info minister

BARISHAL, Aug 9: “Political leaders must see themselves as public servants, not rulers. A bad manager’s fate was seen in Sheikh Hasina’s case. A good manager’s fate was seen at the funerals of Shaheed Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia. The people are the owners of the country. Through their votes, they appoint us as their managers. We are not the owners,” said Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon while addressing the 56th founding anniversary of the wartime newspaper Biplobi Bangladesh on the Ashwini Kumar Hall premises in the city as the chief guest on Sunday. 

Freedom fighter Nurul Alam Farid publishes the newspaper. 

Speakers at the event highlighted the role of wartime newspapers in preserving the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and stressed the need to pass that legacy on to future generations.

Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said there is no alternative to planting trees to tackle the impacts of climate change. He made the remarks on Sunday while inaugurating a 15-day divisional tree planting campaign and tree fair at Bells Park in the city. The minister opened the fair by releasing balloons and festoons. He later visited stalls set up by participating nurseries.

“Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Coastal areas are at the highest risk. The climate crisis is a global challenge. It requires a global solution,” he said. He urged people to use energy responsibly. Otherwise, rising temperatures could make the planet increasingly difficult for human habitation.

Swapon said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has prioritised sustainable development over short term gains. As part of that vision, the government has launched a plan to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years. Five crore saplings will be planted every year, he added.
Fifty nurseries from different districts of Barishal Division haves set up stalls at the fair which will remain open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.