Chuadanga Correspondent

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has stated that engaging the younger generation in the egalitarian, humanitarian, and rebellious philosophy of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is a primary objective of the ongoing "Nazrul Year" celebrations.

Speaking as the chief guest on Saturday at the prize distribution and closing ceremony of a week-long Nazrul festival held under the banner "Jago Nabo Srishtir Mohanande" at the Chuadanga District Shilpakala Academy premises, the minister emphasized that Nazrul’s literary works and worldview play a vital role in shaping youth into compassionate, secular, and patriotic citizens.

Addressing the gathering, the minister called for collective efforts from families, educational institutions, social and cultural organizations, and state bodies to protect the younger generation from drug addiction, online gambling, and other destructive vices. He noted that cultural and athletic engagement serves as a powerful medium for steering youth toward creative and positive pursuits.

He  said the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is actively working to promote indigenous culture, folk traditions, traditional sports, and boat racing nationwide. Initiatives have been undertaken to effectively introduce the country's art, literature, culture, and heritage to the younger generation.

Highlighting Bangladesh's ancient and rich cultural heritage, the minister referenced historical accounts by travelers such as Ibn Battuta to illustrate the region's deep-rooted global connections. He announced plans to organize nationwide festivals centered around folk music traditions, including Baul, Jari, Sari, Bhatiali, and the timeless compositions of mystic bards Lalon Shah, Hasan Raja, Shah Abdul Karim, and Radharaman. 

Eminent Nazrul researcher and Chuadanga Government College Associate Professor Dr. Monshi Abu Saif delivered the keynote address, analyzing various dimensions of Nazrul's literature and philosophy.

Chaired by Chuadanga District Council Administrator Sharifuzzaman, the event featured District Commissioner Lutfun Nahar, Superintendent of Police Mehedi Shahriyar, and District Council Chief Executive Officer Mukul Kumar Maitra as special guests. Municipality Administrator Sharmin Akter, the District Cultural Officer, the general secretary of the Chuadanga district unit of Jasas, the president of Chuadanga Press Club, and representatives of various cultural organizations were also in attendance. Speakers at the program deliberated on Nazrul's contributions to equality, humanism, secularism, and anti-imperialist resistance.

Earlier in the day, the cultural affairs minister exchanged views with local cultural activists at the Chuadanga Circuit House, urging them to actively participate in competitions and programs organized for Nazrul Year. He reiterated that the ministry is coordinating integrated institutional efforts to promote domestic art and culture.

Later, the minister presided over a law-and-order review meeting at the circuit house, attended by the district commissioner, superintendent of police, upazila nirbahi officers, police station officers-in-charge, an additional director of the National Security Intelligence (NSI), and other senior officials. 

During his itinerary, leaders of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, Puja Udjapan Parishad, and Puja Udjapan Front paid a courtesy call on the minister at the Circuit House.

In his interaction with minority community leaders, Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury stressed the importance of moving beyond communal divisions and majoritarian-minority binaries to foster a society anchored in mutual respect, empathy, and harmony. 

Additionally, leaders of the BNP and its associate bodies in Chuadanga met with the minister during his visit.