Cultural leaders still unhappy with proposed budget

Entertainment Report :
In the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, it has been said that Tk 779 crores will be allocated to the Ministry of Culture, which is Tk 80 crore more than last year’s allocation for this sector.
The Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali presented the proposed budget in the National Parliament yesterday.
However, the representatives of the cultural arena have expressed their disappointment with this budget as in previous years.
President of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Golam Kuddus told this correspondent, “We are not saying that the plans taken by the government are unnecessary. But the plan that we have said is not being taken into consideration.”
He also said, “We need infrastructural and pre-educational facilities to practice our culture. For example, construction of one auditorium in each district, construction of one open stage or amphitheatre, training of those involved in the industry. In addition, only three or four auditoriums in the city of one and a half million people are enough? If every upazila does not have an auditorium, free stage and permanent training system, then how will the awakening of the industry happen? But the announced budget does not see any reflection of that.”
Golam Kuddus expressed disappointment and said, “Sammilito Sangskritik Jote has been saying these words for the past 10 years. We held press conferences, protest rallies, in writing to the Ministries of Culture, Finance and Planning. But we don’t see any reflection of it as the years go by. Here is not a question of satisfaction-dissatisfaction.”
“If the culture is not developed, the spirit of our Liberation War will be damaged; the non-communal spirit will be damaged, the universal culture of Bengal will be threatened. We think there is still time. Before passing the budget, the government will review all these issues and make a long-term plan,” he added.