Dhaka: Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today emphasized the necessity of promoting healthy cultural practices to combat cultural degradation and social decay, warning of the alarming spread of drug abuse among the youth across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues at a cultural event titled “Borshobidai 1432 and Borshoboron 1433,” organized by the music institution ‘Sursaptak’ at the Natya Shala auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. He described the drug menace as a well-planned conspiracy affecting school and college students, urging everyone to avoid complacency in the face of this threat.
The minister underscored the importance of the country’s rich cultural heritage as a powerful tool against cultural degradation, similar to using weapons in an armed conflict. He announced that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs plans to bolster cultural practices nationwide to counter societal decay.
Furthermore, the minister revealed plans for nationwide celebrations of Rabindra Jayanti on May 8, including events at Shilaidaha in Kushtia, and Nazrul Jayanti on May 25, including celebrations at Trishal in Mymensingh, with extensive arrangements throughout the country.
The event, presided over by Sursaptak Founder and Chairperson Ferdausi Ara, also featured speeches by State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul Islam Mohammad, UCB Managing Director and CEO Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, and SMC Managing Director Toslim Uddin Khan.