Let the nation flourish through cultural activities: PM

FT ONLINE

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said a nation can flourish through the intense practice of cultural activities and it is strongly true for Bangladesh's independence, the War of Liberation and democratic movements.

"Cultural activists played a very crucial role in all movements for the independence and democracy....we always remembers their role," she said, adding that a nation can develop through flourishing its cultural activities.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the silver jubilee programme of Surer Dhara, a renowned school of music, at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital yesterday.

Founded by renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya in 1992, the music school is now one of the premier music schools and a cultural centre of the country.

Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University Dr Anisuzzaman presided over the function while Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was present as special guest.

Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya gave welcome address on the occasion while members of the cabinet, artistes, government officials and civil society members were present.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is now an independent and sovereign state, but its freedom came under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and at the cost of the lives of millions of people.

But, she said, the freedom of a nation should be for emancipation from all political, economic, social and cultural bondages. In fact, a nation cannot flourish without political, economic, social and cultural freedom, she added.

The premier said the people of Bangladesh had to face many adverse situations time and again. "But, as an indomitable nation, Bangalees always came out of those adversities and they would do the same in the future."

She said the anti-liberation force captured the state power after assassination of Bangabandhu, creating many barriers to the cultural activities of the nation. "Pakistani rulers had tried to ban Rabindranath. But, they could not do it as students, teachers and cultural activists came out in protest," she said.

The Prime Minister extended her sincere thanks to everybody of Surer Dhara and Bonnya for working with a goal of integrating deprived children into mainstream of the society through teaching music, art and languages and social awareness.

"We're trying to ensure access of downtrodden children to food, clothe, education and healthcare. But, the initiative of Bonnya to flourish their inherent cultural talent is really a great task," she said.

Pointing out her family's profound attachment with music, cultural activities and book reading apart from politics, Sheikh Hasina said she firmly believed that cultural promotion along with economic emancipation is very crucial for the development of an independent state.

"So, the area of cultural practices in the country should be widened," she said, adding that her government is making constant stride for cultural development of the nation.

The Prime Minister urged all to work together to continue the country's progress in all spheres, saying Bangladesh, as a victorious nation, would stand amid the world community keeping its head high.

She assured that her government will provide all-out support for promotion of cultural activities and sports, and said the government wants to spread those at grassroots level to pick up the hidden talents from rural areas.

Sheikh Hasina enjoyed the performance of Surer Dhara and took photographs with the artistes of the music school.