Photo: BSS

CHANDPUR, June 20, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom has said the country's cultural sector suffered extensive setbacks over the past two decades due to politicisation, depriving culture of the opportunity for its natural and independent development and hindering the desired growth of many cultural institutions.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after addressing the "Riverine Cultural Programme" as the chief guest at the Chandpur Shilpakala Academy auditorium this evening.

The state minister said, "Over the past 20 years, our cultural arena has been politicised. Culture has been obstructed in various ways. As a result, an environment conducive to conducting cultural activities was not created in most districts of the country, nor were there adequate programmes."

He said initiatives have been undertaken to reorganise the country's cultural sector under the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman so that culture can be established as an asset of the masses.

Ali Newaz said creating a beautiful, healthy and vibrant cultural environment for people is the need of the time. 

To achieve this goal, the government is implementing various programmes in the cultural sector, he added.

Different initiatives have been taken for infrastructure development, expansion of cultural activities and the development of artists, he said.

The programme was organised to highlight the historic bond between rivers and culture as well as the district's folk heritage. 

Various performances showcased the influence of rivers on the lifestyle, literature and traditions of riverine Bangladesh.

Among others, Member of Parliament and President of Chandpur District BNP Farid Ahmed Manik, Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Ziaur Rahman, Administrator of the District Council Advocate Salim Ullah Selim, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Administrator of Chandpur Municipality Md Ershad Uddin, Chandpur District BNP Vice-President Md Khalil Gazi, officials of the administration, leaders of cultural organisations and activists were present at the event.

Later, artists from different cultural organisations of Chandpur presented musical, dance and folk performances.