State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Sunday said there would be no room for extremism in the country if cultural activities are effectively ensured at the school level.
He made the remarks at a joint discussion between the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, held at the former’s conference room in Dhaka.
The meeting focused on strengthening cultural engagement and organising competitions across educational institutions as part of the government’s election commitments.
Hajjaj said the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued clear directives to enhance cultural components within the education system.
In line with these instructions, steps are being taken to more effectively integrate cultural activities into the curriculum to foster creativity, human values and moral awareness among students.
He noted that participation in creative pursuits such as music, drama, debate and painting encourages positive thinking and helps nurture teamwork, tolerance and social values. Such engagement, he added, plays a crucial role in steering young people away from extremist ideologies.
“Cultural practice is not merely a source of entertainment; it is a powerful tool to build a healthy, conscious and humane generation,” he said.
Emphasising that primary education forms the foundation of a student’s life, the state minister said efforts are underway to further strengthen cultural elements in the primary curriculum.
He added that subject teachers will receive necessary training, while students will benefit from regular sessions conducted by expert instructors from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, who was also present, said cultural activities are essential for developing a creative and aware generation. He noted that coordinated initiatives are being taken to expand such practices among students, with implementation expected soon.
Among others present were Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education; Kaniz Maola, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs; Abu Nur Md Shamsuzzaman, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education; and other senior officials.
