Dhaka: Cultural affairs minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today urged deputy commissioners (DCs) to enhance security for folk artistes and emphasized nurturing cultural programmes at the grassroots level to build a talented nation. ‘To build a culturally aware talented nation is the main goal of the present government,’ he stated while addressing a special session of the ‘DC Conference-2026’ at Osmani Memorial auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted the government’s initiative to protect cultural heritage, announcing plans to develop modern cultural infrastructure at each upazila and ensure the safety of 564 archaeological sites and 21 museums. He emphasized that these efforts aim to directly connect people with artistic practices.
The cultural affairs minister also called on DCs to protect baul and lalon artistes and take firm action to resist cultural degradation against local traditions at the district level. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam participated in the session, emphasizing the importance of psychological transformation for positive changes in human attitudes over infrastructural development.
Expressing disappointment over cultural development progress, Khaiyam noted that expected advancements had not occurred in the past 17 years. He stated the current democratic government’s goal is to elevate the country’s cultural development significantly. He urged DCs to actively enhance the effectiveness of cultural institutes for small ethnic groups.
Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Policy and Strategy Adviser to the Prime Minister, addressed the session, underscoring the government’s commitment to fulfilling public promises. He stressed the importance of DCs as key implementers of government welfare initiatives at the grassroots level and urged local administration to be more transparent and dynamic to meet public expectations.
The session was also attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Adviser Humayun Kabir, senior secretaries from various ministries, and divisional commissioners.