Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan delivered the chief guest speech at a colorful joy rally organized on the occasion of Pohela Baishakh and Nababarsho 1433 celebrations at the DRU premises today. Photo: Video Screenshot

DHAKA, Apriln 14, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the BNP-led government has turned agriculture and farmers into the centre of the country's economy.

"This agriculture and farmers are the main driving force of our economy," he said while addressing a discussion and colourful ananda procession organised at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) here this morning, marking Pahela Baishakh and Bangla New Year 1433.

Greeting the journalist community and the country’s people on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the information minister said the incumbent government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has started the work of nation building with new enthusiasm. 

He said the government has chosen Pahela Baishakh as the auspicious day for the distribution of ‘Farmer Cards’, keeping in mind the tradition of how the Mughal emperors introduced the Bengali year by coordinating the farmers’ crop production and tax collection.

Swapon said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the programme for distributing the farmer cards in Tangail today. 

He said the main challenge of the new government is to restructure the crippled economy and make it stand on its own feet. “And, to this end, our slogan is ‘Bangladesh first’.”

Mentioning the peaceful celebration of the Bangla New Year in a festive atmosphere across the country as a reflection of a true environment for practicing democracy, the information minister said the festive atmosphere proves that a free and normal situation now prevails in the country. 

“We want to continue this new culture and environment for the country’s prosperity,” he added.

Prime Minister’s speechwriter Mahfuzur Rahman spoke as the special guest at the event with DRU President Abu Saleh Akond in the chair.

DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel moderated the programme. 

Among others, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Editor Fazlul Haque, and Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretaries Mostafa Zulfiquar Hasan (Hasan Shiplu), Md Suzauddhowla and Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, were present at the event.

After his speech, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon inaugurated the traditional 'Puppet Dance' exhibition. 

After the procession and discussion, the DRU leaders presented mementos to the invited guests.

Earlier, the minister participated in the colorful ananda rally arranged by DRU, exchanged New Year greetings with journalists and sought everyone's cooperation and doa for the prosperity of the country.