Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said the government would take steps to introduce a special welfare card for cultural activists to bring them under institutional support and social security coverage.
He made the comments while addressing a special cultural programme titled “Nrityageeti O Probondho Path” at the Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka on Thursday, marking the birth anniversaries of Rabindranath Tagore and National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
The minister said the government was also taking effective measures to preserve the country’s archaeological sites, folk heritage and historical landmarks, adding that protecting heritage meant safeguarding the roots of the nation.
He said culture was not merely a source of entertainment, but the foundation of a nation’s identity, values and civilisation.
Referring to Tagore and Nazrul, he said their literature, music and philosophy had established the spirit of humanity, equality and free thinking on the global stage.
The minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was implementing various programmes to expand cultural activities across the country and ensure the dignity and welfare of artistes and cultural workers.
The programme featured dance performances by artistes of “Nrityanchal” under the direction of noted dancers Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Nipa, along with essay presentations by academics on the literary and humanistic ideals of Tagore and Nazrul.
