Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Friday said the Bangali nation is more enriched with culture, heritage, and literature than many countries of the world as the foundation of Bangali culture is deep-rooted.
"We will not follow others. The foundation of our culture is more deep-rooted than other language speaking people in the subcontinent too," he said.
Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, was addressing as the chief guest the 21st Performance Award giving ceremony arranged by the Cultural Journalist Forum of Bangladesh (CJFB) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the city's Agargoan.
He urged all to practice native culture in such a way so that Bengali culture can be exemplary to others.
The minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government and especially the premier is very earnest in nurturing and flourishing the Bangali culture.
"We want a surge of cultural practice throughout the country. There is no alternative to cultural practice to save the next generation from getting involved in militancy and self-centeredness," he observed.
About the award-giving ceremony, Hasan said a prize can change the life of an artiste as the award plays a big role to encourage the practicing and patronizing art and culture.
He extended thanks to CJFB for providing the award in the field of culture for the last two decades.
Global Television Chairman Md Harun-or-Rashid, e-commerce platform Qcoom Managing Director Md Ripon Miah and Antar showbiz Chairman Shapan Chowdhury addressed the function as special guests.
CJFB President Tamim Hasan, its chief advisor Enam Sarker, and general secretary Khaled Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.
Actor and director Tariq Anam Khan was given a lifetime achievement award while singer Baby Naznin, actress Shami Kaiser, Purnima, program organizer Shapan Chowdhury and journalist Morshed Noman were conferred with special honor on the occasion.
The minister handed over awards and crests to the recipients.