Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to take necessary steps to make cultural academies more active and promote Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage among the younger generation.
He gave the directives during a visit to the ministry on Wednesday, where he also held a meeting with officials to review ongoing activities and future plans.
“Our culture spans thousands of years. But we may not be presenting it adequately to our younger generation,” the prime minister said.
Noting that technology is exposing young people to foreign cultures and new ideas, he stressed that this should not come at the cost of forgetting their own cultural identity.
“We need to think about how to present our culture and heritage more effectively to the younger generation,” he said.
At the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on programmes planned around the Lalon Festival and Nazrul Year. They also outlined initiatives for a winter cultural festival scheduled to run from December to May.
The proposed festival will feature circus performances, rural cultural activities, boat races, kite festivals, horse racing, puppet shows and various cultural events. Programmes involving persons with disabilities are also planned.
Addressing ministry officials, Tarique Rahman said everyone had individual skills and capabilities and urged them to give their best to their work.
“If we give our best efforts, together we can realise at least some of the kind of country we want to see,” he said, adding that they had an opportunity to contribute to the country and should make the most of it.
Representatives of the July Museum, Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh National Museum, Bangla Academy, National Book Centre and other departments and agencies under the ministry presented their ongoing activities and future plans.
The prime minister also called for initiatives to develop reading habits among children and young people.
He suggested exploring the possibility of using mobile libraries to bring books directly to children. He also emphasised reading clubs, reading competitions and similar activities to encourage a reading culture.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Cultural Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and other officials attended the meeting.
