BNP Chairperson’s advisor and former MP from Barisal-1 constituency Zahir Uddin Swapan said, “The country is free from fascism today through a long struggle and sacrifice. However, we must remember that fascism is not the name of a person; it is the name of a mental illness. Even if the fallen government affected by that disease is on the run, the fascist sick mentality can remain in us too. Therefore, we have to say goodbye to fascism from our hearts and minds.”

He said these things in his speech as the chief guest at an iftar mahfil in Gournadi, Barisal on Friday evening. The iftar mahfil was organized by the Gournadi Press Club at a hotel in the Gournadi bus stand area.

Referring to the need for democratic values ​​in building a healthy society and state, Zahir Uddin Swapan said at the meeting, “We must be aware that a democratic system cannot be established anywhere, starting from the country, society, and governance, with a fascist mentality. Therefore, if there is no democratic value among everyone, everyone cannot walk together.”

Zahir Uddin Swapan also said that a different opinion, a different path does not mean hostility or anger. But even holding it is against democratic values. Therefore, it is important to create a mindset to accept different opinions. If you hold democratic principles, you must respect different opinions and create the ability to accept them.

Dignitaries of Gournadi, administrative officials, journalists, and people from different classes and professions participated in the iftar program. Gournadi Press Club convener Md. Gias Uddin Mia presided over the program.