DHAKA, Aug 5, 2020 (BSS) – State Minister for Culture Affairs KM Khalid today said the government will continue to provide assistance to cultural workers, who have become unemployed due to Coronavirus pandemic.
“The present government under the dynamic leadership of PM Sheikh Hasina is culture friendly government,” Khalid said while speaking as the chief guest at a financial aid distribution ceremony among 99 musicians, who have beome unemployed, at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, said a press release.
“Prime Minister herself is a culture admirer and she is especially sincere towards cultural activists. She always extends a helping hand to any grievance and problem of the artists and cultural activists,” he added.
During the ceremony, the minister said the Ministry of Culture Affairs has already provided financial assistance to about 9,600 unemployed cultural workers across the country during the Corona period.
He also said the Ministry of Culture Affairs and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy have received applications for financial assistance from about 7,000 more unemployed cultural workers, said the release.
Assistance will also be provided to these cultural activists subject to receipt of funds, Khalid said.
“The list of unemployed culture artists has been prepared with transparency and the grant money has been distributed among them,” Khalid added.
The event was organized to mark the 71st birth anniversary of freedom fighter Shahid Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and a pioneer of modern culture and sports movement in Bangladesh.
Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Liaquat Ali Lucky presided over the ceremony.
Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Badrul Arefin also spoke as the special guest.
Prominent flute artist and President of Bangladesh Musicians Foundation Gazi Abdul Hakim, Joint Secretary of Culture Ministry Asim Kumar Dey were also present at the ceremony.