Dhaka: The government has announced the formation of a 27-member National Steering Committee on Creative Economy, tasked with the development and implementation of sector-specific roadmaps to enhance the nation's creative economy. The newly formed committee will also oversee the coordination of activities geared towards fostering growth in this sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Cabinet Division released a gazette notification to formalize the committee's establishment. The committee will be chaired by the Minister for Finance and Planning, with the Minister for Cultural Affairs, Minister for Industries, Minister for Commerce, and Minister for Housing and Public Works serving as members. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to nurturing the creative sector as a vital component of the national economy.
The committee's membership is extensive, including high-level officials such as the State Minister for Planning, advisers to key ministries, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Health Affairs, and the Adviser for Policy and Strategy in the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Cultural Affairs. Secretaries from various ministries, including Finance, Information and Broadcasting, Youth and Sports, and others, are also part of this strategic group.
Additionally, the committee features representatives from prominent organizations such as BRAC, HSBC Bangladesh, Bengal Foundation, and Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology. Notable personalities like fashion designer and entrepreneur Bibi Russell have been appointed as sector specialist members, adding industry expertise to the committee's efforts.
The committee's mandate includes approving sector-specific roadmaps, coordinating inter-ministerial and inter-agency activities, and reviewing the progress of various sector-specific committees on a quarterly basis. The Finance Division will provide the necessary secretarial support, ensuring the committee's operations align with its strategic objectives.
The government order establishing the committee has taken immediate effect, marking a significant step in the structured development of the creative economy in the country.