ZCZC
BSS-14
KHALID-ETHNIC-GROUPS
Govt to build three cultural centres in CHT: Khalid
Dhaka, April 18, 2019 (BSS) – State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid
today said the government has planned to set up three multipurpose cultural
centres in three hilly districts – Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban.
“The government has a plan to set up multipurpose cultural centres in the
three districts (of the CHT) aiming to protect the culture and diversity of
the ethnic people living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region,” he said
while addressing a seminar in the capital.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS)
arranged the seminar titled ‘Importance and Challenges of Protecting Heritage
of Small Ethnic Groups in Promoting National Culture’ at its auditorium.
Speaking as the chief guest, Khalid said the government is working
sincerely to protect the culture, tradition, heritage and diversity of the
country’s ethnic groups.
On March 23, 2019, the government officially recognised 50 ethnic groups,
instead of 27, by issuing a gazette notification, he said.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives to protect the ethnic groups, the
state minister said the government has already set up three cultural centres
in the country to patronise, promote and protect their culture and tradition.
“The Ministry of Cultural Affairs is conducting research on the history,
religions, tradition, culture and customs of the small ethnic groups here,”
he said.
Reading out a keynote paper, renowned historian and educationist Prof Dr
Syed Anwar Husain explored different aspects of ethnic groups’ culture that
include language, tradition and festivals.
He said these groups are contributing to enrichment of the country’s
cultural history through their diverse social customs and culture.
Prof Husain, the Bangabandhu Chair of the Bangladesh University of
Professionals (BUP), discussed the opportunities of cultural exchange and
cooperation for their development, adding that the development of ethnic
culture could bring unity in diversity which ultimately could promote and
strengthen the national solidarity.
Chaired by BIISS director general Maj. Gen. AKM Abdur Rahman, the seminar
was addressed, among others, by chairman of Chattogram Hill Tract Development
Board Naba Bikram Kishore Tripura, vice-chancellor of Rangamati Science and
Technology University Prof Dr Pradanendu Bikash Chakma, acting secretary of
the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry Md Mesbahul Islam and regional
commander of Bangladesh Army (Bandarban Region) Brig. Gen. Khandaker Md
Shahidul Emran.
Representatives from small ethnic groups in Bangladesh, scholars, academia,
policymakers, former ambassadors, public and military officials, students and
representatives from media were present at the seminar.
They highlighted various aspects of promoting cultural diversity of
different small ethnic groups in Bangladesh.
BSS/ASG/MRI/RY/1610 hrs