State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury has said that the Zia family has repeatedly provided leadership during some of Bangladesh’s most critical moments, including the country's struggle for independence, the restoration of democracy, and periods of national crisis.
Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in Parliament on Saturday, the minister said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman led the nation as the proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence. He added that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia played a pivotal role in restoring democracy through the anti-autocracy movement, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership of the student-public movement has ushered Bangladesh into a new chapter.
Yasser Khan Chowdhury paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and his late father, former Member of Parliament Anwarul Hossain Khan Chowdhury. Expressing gratitude to the people of Nandail for electing him to Parliament, he became emotional and broke down in tears while recalling his mother.
The minister said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is a democratic political party where accountability and democratic practices are regularly upheld. He noted that ministers are required to answer questions from party lawmakers during parliamentary party meetings, reflecting the party’s commitment to internal accountability.
Describing the proposed budget as timely, people-oriented, and forward-looking, he said it would lay the foundation for rebuilding Bangladesh’s economy, education system, and other key sectors, ultimately making the country more self-reliant. According to the minister, the budget has been formulated to revive sectors that suffered from what he described as 17 years of mismanagement and corruption.
He stressed that there is no alternative to a large development-oriented budget for ensuring sustainable national progress. Referring to the government's Family Card, Agriculture Card, and Farmer Card programmes, he said these initiatives would not only provide financial support to low-income households but also generate significant positive impacts on the rural economy. He expressed hope that bringing four million families under these programmes would further strengthen the country's economic foundation.
Highlighting the activities of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Yasser Khan Chowdhury said the government is implementing various public awareness campaigns and digital content initiatives aimed at promoting humanitarian values, empathy, social responsibility, and positive behaviour among young people.
He also revealed that although the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were purchased for Tk 470 million, nearly Tk 440 million has already been recovered through private-sector sponsorships. As a result, Bangladeshi viewers will be able to enjoy the tournament at almost no cost to the public. He further claimed that longstanding syndicates and irregularities in the broadcasting sector have been dismantled, ensuring greater transparency.
Concluding his speech, the State Minister thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his leadership and continued support in implementing the government's various development initiatives.