Zahir Uddin Swapan

Zahir Uddin Swapon (born 29 June 1960) is a Bangladeshi politician. He is an adviser to the prime minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman with the rank of minister. He was the Minister of Information and Broadcasting in the nineteenth cabinet of Bangladesh. He is also serving as the member of parliament for Barishal‑1 (Gournadi–Agailjhara) in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

Early life and education Swapon was born in Sarikal village of Gournadi Upazila in Barishal District. He was a student of Government Brajalal College in Khulna and later obtained a master’s degree in political science from the University of Dhaka. During the late 1980s and 1990, he played a prominent role in the 90's Anti-Authoritarian Movement that toppled the government of General Hussain Muhammad Ershad in Bangladesh. As one of the party’s principal spokesmen during opposition campaigns, he frequently interacted with the media and drafted communication strategies. In 2024 he joined the party’s advisory council. As an adviser he was involved in campaign planning for the 2026 general election.

Parliamentary career

6th and 8th Parliaments (1996–2006) Swapon first entered the Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) in the sixth national parliamentary election held on 15 February 1996, winning the Barishal‑1 (Gournadi–Agailjhara) seat as a BNP candidate.The sixth parliament was short‑lived; after its dissolution he again contested the seat in the 8th national parliamentary election in October 2001 and was re‑elected.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Following the BNP‑led coalition’s landslide victory, Swapon was one of several senior BNP leaders appointed to the cabinet. He took the oath of office as Minister of Information and Broadcasting on 17 February 2026, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. His appointment generated enthusiasm in his constituency and within the BNP.