Bangladesh saw dominance of foreign culture during fascist regime: Cultural Aff Minister

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said Bangladesh had seen dominance of foreign cultural practices aimed at destroying the rich native culture as part of an orchestrated plan.

He made the remarks while addressing a daylong programme marking the 179th birth anniversary of eminent writer Mir Mosharraf Hossain at Mir Mosharraf Hossain Memorial Centre in Padamdi village under Baliakandi upazila of the district.

The minister alleged that the entire education system got ruined during the fascist regime as many students had got engaged with abuse of drugs after being influenced by foreign culture.

The daylong programme featured a seminar, cultural events, a fair, a quiz competition and prize distribution.

Nitai described Mir Mosharraf as an immortal storyteller of Bangla literature, saying his timeless creation ‘Bishad Sindhu’ was an invaluable asset of Bangla literature.

“Presenting his literary works to the new generation and preserving his memory and contributions are our sacred responsibilities,” he said.

The minister also said the government wanted to revive once popular folk theater-Jatra depicting native folk cultural components like songs, dance, rural life, people's everyday experiences, rivers, trees and plants and farmers.

He announced plans to establish a university college, a cultural centre and a library in the birthplace of the celebrated writer. He also said Mir Mosharraf Hossain College in the area would soon be declared a government college.

The anniversary programme formally began at 9:30am by paying tributes at the writer's grave at the memorial complex and a drawing competition for children.

Rajbari Deputy Commissioner Afroza Pervin chaired the event while Rajbari-2 lawmaker Md Harun-or-Rashid, Bangla Academy Director General Prof Mohammad Azam and former convener of Rajbari district BNP Advocate Liaquat Ali attended the programme as special guests.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director Md Saifur Rahman and Mir Mosharraf Hossain Memorial Center President Professor Salam Tasir were present.

Bangla Academy Secretary Dr Muhammad Selim Reza delivered the welcome address.