Dhaka:Finance Minister Amir Khosru emphasized the necessity for Bangladesh to strengthen its soft power by fostering its cultural identity and creative potential. He highlighted the significance of arts, music, film, theatre, sports, and other cultural pursuits as fundamental elements of a nation's identity.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Finance Minister shared these insights during the closing ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Shishu Academy held at its auditorium in Dhaka. He remarked that a nation's strength is not solely determined by the size of its economy but also by a distinctive national identity built through culture and creativity.
The Minister stressed the importance of encouraging children to explore their abilities beyond formal education, including in areas such as sports, drawing, music, theatre, and film. He noted that while education is important, life encompasses more than just academics.
He called on families and society to provide children with opportunities to discover their interests and develop hobbies, emphasizing that a generation's intellectual and creative growth relies on such early exposure. The Minister also advocated for equal opportunities for boys and girls in these pursuits.
Additionally, he mentioned that the government is working on integrating artists, filmmakers, theatre practitioners, cultural workers, and traditional artisans into the economic mainstream through a new creative economy initiative.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the importance of connecting children with nature and fostering empathy towards animals and biodiversity. He expressed concerns over the decline or disappearance of birds, butterflies, insects, and fish due to shrinking natural habitats and urged more attention to environmental and biodiversity issues in development efforts.
He encouraged parents to engage with their children, prompting them to ask questions and maintain open communication, describing childhood as a crucial stage for learning and developing curiosity.
Amir Khosru concluded by expressing hope that families, institutions, and the government would collaborate to provide children with the guidance and opportunities necessary to reach their full potential, with the Bangladesh Shishu Academy playing a pivotal role in shaping the vision for the country's future generations.