Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury. File Photo

DHAKA, May 15, 2026 (BSS) – Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today said the government will take steps to introduce a special welfare card for cultural activists to bring them under institutional support and social security coverage.

He also said the government is taking effective measures to preserve the country’s archaeological sites, folk heritage and historical landmarks, adding that protecting heritage means safeguarding the roots of the nation.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a special cultural programme titled “Nrityageeti O Probondho Path” held at the Bangladesh National Museum in the capital yesterday, marking the birth anniversaries of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam.

He said culture is not merely a source of entertainment but the foundation of a nation’s identity, values and civilization.
Referring to Tagore and Nazrul, he said their literature, music and philosophy had established the spirit of humanity, equality and free thinking on the global stage.

Nitai said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is implementing various programmes to expand cultural activities across the country and ensure the dignity and welfare of artists and cultural workers.

The programme featured dance performances by artistes of “Nrityanchal” under the direction of noted dancers Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Nipa, along with essay presentations by academics on the literary and humanistic ideals of Tagore and Nazrul.