Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon spoke as the chief guest at the unveiling ceremony of the memorial book titled “Shahidnama,” along with a documentary screening and award distribution event held at the National Museum auditorium at Shahbagh today (8 May). Photo: PID
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said the current government will not allow any crime against humanity committed in the country to become time-barred or forgotten.
He said, “From the genocide during the Liberation War of 1971 to the killings at Shapla Square in 2013, all are crimes against humanity. The government led by Tarique Rahman is firmly committed to ensuring justice for all these wrongdoings and brutalities.”
The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the unveiling ceremony of the memorial book titled Shahidnama, along with a documentary screening and award distribution event held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum in Shahbagh today (8 May).
The minister said, “The horrific memories of the Shapla Square killings still cause us pain. In its very first session, the current parliament formally expressed respect and condolences to all the martyrs of Shapla Square. Through this, we conveyed a clear message to the nation that our government will never allow any act of injustice or brutality to fade away without accountability.”
Recalling the events of 5 May, 2013, Swapon said when the then fascist government was obstructing the religious movement and creating false narratives through the media, Khaleda Zia courageously stood beside the rally as a guardian of the people.
He said, “BNP was the first political party to identify the incident as a ‘mass killing’ and called a two-day hartal in protest.”
The minister further said the mass uprising of 5 August, 2024, proved that people from all sections of society shed blood in the anti-fascist movement.
He said, “We must preserve the unity that has been built around our religious values and patriotism. This unity is the shield protecting our sovereignty and self-reliance.”
Swapon added, “Only by maintaining national unity on issues concerning the people’s religious values, independence, self-reliance, and prosperity can we truly fulfil our responsibility to the martyrs.”
