Dhaka, April 18, 2019 (BSS) – State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid today said the government has planned to set up three multipurpose cultural centres in three hilly districts – Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban.
“The government has a plan to set up multipurpose cultural centres in the three districts (of the CHT) aiming to protect the culture and diversity of the ethnic people living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region,” he said while addressing a seminar in the capital.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) arranged the seminar titled ‘Importance and Challenges of Protecting Heritage of Small Ethnic Groups in Promoting National Culture’ at its auditorium.
Speaking as the chief guest, Khalid said the government is working sincerely to protect the culture, tradition, heritage and diversity of the country’s ethnic groups.
On March 23, 2019, the government officially recognised 50 ethnic groups, instead of 27, by issuing a gazette notification, he said.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives to protect the ethnic groups, the state minister said the government has already set up three cultural centres in the country to patronise, promote and protect their culture and tradition.
“The Ministry of Cultural Affairs is conducting research on the history, religions, tradition, culture and customs of the small ethnic groups here,” he said.
Reading out a keynote paper, renowned historian and educationist Prof Dr Syed Anwar Husain explored different aspects of ethnic groups’ culture that include language, tradition and festivals.
He said these groups are contributing to enrichment of the country’s cultural history through their diverse social customs and culture.
Prof Husain, the Bangabandhu Chair of the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), discussed the opportunities of cultural exchange and cooperation for their development, adding that the development of ethnic culture could bring unity in diversity which ultimately could promote and strengthen the national solidarity.
Chaired by BIISS director general Maj. Gen. AKM Abdur Rahman, the seminar was addressed, among others, by chairman of Chattogram Hill Tract Development Board Naba Bikram Kishore Tripura, vice-chancellor of Rangamati Science and Technology University Prof Dr Pradanendu Bikash Chakma, acting secretary of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry Md Mesbahul Islam and regional commander of Bangladesh Army (Bandarban Region) Brig. Gen. Khandaker Md Shahidul Emran.
Representatives from small ethnic groups in Bangladesh, scholars, academia, policymakers, former ambassadors, public and military officials, students and representatives from media were present at the seminar.
They highlighted various aspects of promoting cultural diversity of different small ethnic groups in Bangladesh.