‘Healthy culture key to tackling social ills’

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said that unhealthy cultural practices must be countered through the promotion of healthy culture.

He warned that drug abuse has spread across the country, affecting young people, including school and college students.

He described it as a planned conspiracy and said the situation requires urgent attention.
“In such a situation, no one can remain indifferent.

If a locality catches fire, even a temple cannot be saved,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking at an event organised by music institution Sur Saptak at the theatre hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday.

He said that just as a weapon is needed to resist an attack, the country’s rich and long-standing cultural heritage is the strongest tool to counter negative influences, according to a PID handout.

He added that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will work to further strengthen cultural activities across the country to address these challenges.

The minister also announced that Rabindra Jayanti will be celebrated nationwide on May 8, including at Shilaidaha in Kushtia, while Nazrul Jayanti will be observed across the country on May 25, including in Trishal, Mymensingh.

The programme was chaired by Sur Saptak founder and noted musician Ferdous Ara.

Among others, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam, Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul E Mohamed, UCB Managing Director and CEO Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, and SMC Managing Director Taslim Uddin Khan were present.