Barishal: After more than three decades, Barishal has once again secured a full-fledged cabinet minister, sparking widespread joy and celebration across the region. On Tuesday, BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan was sworn in as the Information and Broadcasting Minister. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Barishal-1 constituency, which comprises Gouranadi and Agailjhara upazilas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, residents, political leaders, and members of civil society in Barishal expressed their excitement, describing the appointment as a long-awaited development for what they termed a historically neglected region. Swapan, a resident of Sarikol village in Gouranadi upazila, secured 1,00,552 votes in the recent concluding parliamentary election. He previously served as the convener of the BNP’s media cell during challenging times for the party. Notably, he was also elected from the same constituency in 2001 with 81,791 votes, defeating Awami League (AL) candidate Abul Hasanat Abdullah, a cousin of Sheikh Hasina.
Local BNP leaders hailed the development as a milestone. Barishal District Jubo Dal Organising Secretary Hafiz Ahmed Bablu noted that Barishal first received a minister in 1972, with the last full minister appointed in 1986. “After nearly three decades, we are delighted to once again have a full minister from Barishal under a BNP-led government,” he said.
BNP’s Barishal Divisional Organising Secretary Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin also welcomed the appointment, expressing gratitude to the party leadership. “It is undoubtedly good news for us. We are thankful to the BNP chairperson for entrusting Barishal with such an important ministry. We hope the region will receive further representation in the cabinet in future,” she added.
Political observers believe Swapan’s appointment could bring renewed focus to development initiatives and greater national representation for Barishal.