No Certificate Needed from Across Border for Bengali Identity: Information Minister

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated on Saturday that no one from across the border needs to certify the Bengali identity of Bangladeshis. Speaking at a discussion on the 'Implementation of the July Charter' in Dhaka's Kakrail, he noted that despite sharing a common language with West Bengal, there is a distinct difference in cultural mentality that cannot be denied.

"History is the greatest recognition of Bengali identity," the Minister said, adding that attempts to distort history ultimately fail. "Where history speaks the truth, distorters are forced to retreat."

Minister Swapan emphasized that the country’s current democratic process operates on a clean mandate. "We do not feel proud or angry if someone attempts to create an artificial narrative, but we stand firm on keeping the correct history as our true narrative," he said.

Addressing those who advocate for unifying the populations of India and Bangladesh, the Minister pointed out that the total population of SAARC countries exceeds 2.2 billion. He questioned the motives of those pushing for bilateral unity while ignoring broader regional cooperation. "We must look with suspicion upon those who oppose SAARC unity yet advocate for the unity of only two countries, or suggest any structure outside the framework of the UN, SAARC, and Bangladesh," he concluded.