The Fascist Awami League Destroyed the Country's Education, Culture, and Constitutional Institutions Over the Past 18 Years, Says Culture Minister

Photo: CNI

Jhenaidah Correspondent: During his visit to Jhenaidah today, Minister for Cultural Affairs Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury said, "The BNP government did not come to power to fail. This government has been elected directly by the people through their votes, and therefore we will not fail."

He added, "Over the past 18 years, the country's education system, cultural institutions, legal framework, financial institutions, and all constitutional bodies were destroyed. We are now clearing away that fragile condition and accumulated disorder to rebuild and reshape the country."

The minister made these remarks while responding to a question from journalists after participating in a tree-planting program at the Jhenaidah Zila Parishad and the Deputy Commissioner's Office premises.

He said the government is committed to restoring Bangladesh's centuries-old cultural heritage. "The Department of Archaeology has begun excavation work to recover historical and archaeological sites. Initiatives have also been taken to revitalize public libraries across the country, including those under the National Book Centre."

Calling for a boycott of obscene folk theatre performances and cultural events, the minister said, "There is no place in our culture for vulgar dances or indecent gestures. We have instructed district and upazila administrations to replace the obscenity of previous years' folk theatre with meaningful, life-oriented, and tradition-based folk culture."

He further stated that the government would give the highest priority to preserving and documenting endangered cultural traditions and literary works, including Bhatiali, Bhawaiya, Puthi literature, Khanar Bachan, Lalon songs, and Jari-Sari manuscripts.

Later, an exchange-of-views meeting was held with local cultural activists at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner's Office.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md. Noman Hossain. Among those who addressed the gathering were Superintendent of Police Mia Mohammad Ashish Bin Hasan, Zila Parishad Administrator M.A. Majid, Jhenaidah JASAS General Secretary Kamruzzaman Liton, and Nazimuddin Julius, Director of Ankur Natya Academy.