Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury addressed the inaugural ceremony of the "First Buddhist Cultural Fest 2026" as the chief guest at the TSC auditorium of Dhaka University. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 14, 2026 (BSS) - Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today said the pluralistic culture and communal harmony prevailing in Bangladesh are the main driving forces behind the country's development.

He said the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to building an inclusive, discrimination-free and culture-oriented Bangladesh.

The minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the "First Buddhist Cultural Fest 2026" as the chief guest at the TSC auditorium of Dhaka University, said a press release.

The festival was jointly organised by the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies and the Centre for Buddhist Heritage and Culture.

Mentioning that culture is the soul of a nation, Nitai Roy said "Through the practice of the rich culture of Bengal, which has evolved over thousands of years, we can establish ourselves as a great nation before the world."

He said the government wants to spread cultural practices from the capital to the grassroots level.

Referring to communal harmony, the minister said although the ethnic identities of the people may differ, their common identity within the geographical boundary is "Bangladeshi".

"All citizens are equal in the eyes of law under the constitution. Whether someone voted in the election or not is not the main issue; as a people's government, we will work for all," he said.

He said diversity is the beauty of a democratic society and unity should be built within that diversity.

The minister said during the tenure of the previous government, the country's education system and constitutional institutions were on the verge of destruction due to the grip of "demonic forces".

He said students were taught distorted history and lakhs of crores of taka were siphoned off from the country.

The minister said within just two to three months, the present government has made significant progress in implementing its election manifesto alongside taking revolutionary steps such as canal excavation and tree plantation.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam inaugurated the programme.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Sarker and Super Numerary Professor of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies Dr Sukomal Barua attended the function as special guests with Chairman of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies Professor Dr Shantu Barua in the chair.

The speakers said the teachings of non-violence and friendship of Gautama Buddha could play a unique role in establishing peace by removing unrest in the present world.

Different aspects of Bangladesh's Buddhist heritage were presented during the cultural segment of the festival, which drew appreciation from the audience.