Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan spoke as the chief guest at a ceremony held at the Karatoya Convention Center in Bogura city. Photo: BSS

BOGURA, March 13, 2026 (BSS) – Information and Broadcasting Minister

Zahir Uddin Swapan today announced that the government has taken full

responsibility for the complete construction of the Bogura Press Club

building. 

”The rights of the people of Bogura, which were suppressed by the

previous government, would be restored. The government is currently

compiling a comprehensive list of these deprived rights to ensure they

are returned systematically,” he said. 

The Minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a

ceremony held at the Karatoya Convention Center in Bogura city. 

Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust organized the event to distribute financial grants to journalists and

educational scholarships to the meritorious children of media professionals across seven districts of the Rajshahi division. 

Highlighting the government’s performance in its first month, Zahir Uddin Swapan remarked that while the ink on the voters' fingers has

not yet dried, the present government has already initiated significant public welfare measures. 

He specifically noted achievements, including commencement of family card distribution to support households; ongoing distribution of

farmer cards to streamline agricultural support; and the formal declaration to waive agricultural loans for farmers. 

He further emphasized the establishment of a new political culture as part of the government’s five-year vision, asserting that Members of

Parliament (MPs) will no longer accept luxury perks, such as duty-free cars or land plots, as a sign of their commitment to the people.

Turning to the philosophy of governance and media, the minister described media freedom as a fundamental state duty. 

He asserted that in a modern civilization, the media must act as a mirror to state activities, as democracy and society cannot function

in the dark. 

He attributed the downfall of the previous fascist Awami League government to the absence of a culture of accountability, which the

current government is determined to institutionalize. 

He also mentioned that the Prime Minister has advised all broadcast media to strengthen the nation's social fabric through value-based

campaigns. 

The distribution ceremony was chaired by Mohammad Abul Bashir (Bashir Jamal), Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust,

while Atiqur Rahman Rumon, Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister was the special guest.

During the session, financial grants were provided to 51 journalists, and education scholarships were awarded to 46 meritorious students

from journalist families. The beneficiaries hailed from seven districts of the Rajshahi division, with the exception of Sirajganj.

The programme also featured remarks from Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md. Towfiqur Rahman, Bogura District BNP President Rezaul Karim

Badsha, and Kalam Azad, Member of the Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust. 

Other notable attendees included former Bogura Press Club President and Editor of Dainik Karatoya Mozammel Haque Lalu, Bogura Press Club

President Rezaul Hasan Lanu, and Journalist Union Bogura President Ganesh Das. 

The event was moderated by SM Abu Sayeed, General Secretary of the Journalist Union Bogura.