Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon spoke as the chief guest at an event titled “An Evening of Music and Dance” organized by Artist Club Limited at a city hotel. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, May 15, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said society and the state structure have not yet reached a stage where creative people or artistes receive the dignity and honor they truly deserve.

However, he said the newly elected government wants to ensure artistes receive their rightful respect. At the same time, it is committed to shaping the state structure in a way that supports this goal, he added.

He made the remarks this evening as the chief guest at an event titled “An Evening of Music and Dance” organized by Artist Club Limited at a city hotel this evening.

Swapon said that becoming an artiste is not something achieved merely through decision or effort; rather, it is largely an innate quality gifted by nature.
 
He added that all those involved in sharing creative expression are artiste.

“Nature itself determines who possesses the qualities to become an artiste. The rest depends on practice and achievement,” he said.

The minister also pledged to stand beside artistes in their journey at all times.

Presenting the philosophy of the current government, Swapon said the government is highly positive toward the promotion of arts.

A colorful cultural ceremony was held later with combined performance of renowned singer Sujit Mustafa and celebrated dancer Munmun Ahmed, which captivated the audience.

At the beginning of the event, the Artist Club awarded the minister honorary membership of the club and presented him with a symbolic key.

Artist Club Limited President Sujit Mustafa chaired the event while its General Secretary Maruf Kabir also spoke.

Representatives of various artistic groups and distinguished personalities were also present at the event.