Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury spoke at Shilpakala Auditorium during National Book Reading Programme 2026 prize-giving ceremony. Photo : PID

DHAKA, June 22, 2026 (BSS) - Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, today said building a knowledge-based society and eradicating corruption are essential for establishing a fascism-free state.

He made the remarks while addressing as   chief guest at the certificate and prize-giving ceremony of the "National Book Reading Programme 2026" at Shilpakala auditorium in the capital, said a press release.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula chaired the programme, while Director of the Jatiya Grantha Kendro Afsana Begum delivered the welcome speech.

The minister said Bangladesh was once known to the world as a land of wealth, prosperity and glorious heritage, and many travellers and historians, from Alexander to Ibn Battuta, had praised the beauty and prosperity of this land.

He said although Bangladesh had fallen behind due to various historical reasons, the country could move forward again through the practice of knowledge, culture and values.

Nitai Roy noted a prolonged fascist rule had damaged the country's education, culture, constitutional institutions and state establishments.

The young generation of the July Uprising, particularly Gen-Z, has expressed expectations not only for a change in the existing state system but also for a structural transformation, he added.

Mentioning that the present government is working to bring the country back under a rule-based order, the minister said eradicating corruption and preventing the spread of drugs are among the government's top priorities and there will be no compromise on these issues.

Addressing the students, he said there is no alternative to knowledge. The habit of reading books enlightens individuals and helps build the future leadership of the nation, he said, adding that the younger generation will have to play the leading role in building tomorrow's Bangladesh.

He also said the Ministry of Cultural Affairs would continue providing necessary support for the development of public libraries across the country.

The Cultural Affairs Minister also handed over certificates and prizes to meritorious readers at the function.