Staff Correspondent

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has called upon the media to play a responsible role in preventing cultural aggression and safeguarding Bangladesh's distinct national identity, history, and heritage.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Role of Media in Safeguarding Cultural Sovereignty," organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at the main auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum on Thursday evening.

Emphasizing that cultural sovereignty is an indispensable component of national identity, Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury noted that just as citizens exercise sovereign political power through voting, a nation expresses its cultural independence by preserving its language, literature, arts, and lifestyle. 

The Cultural Minister stressed that Bangladeshi culture is shaped by centuries-old traditions and the distinct heritage of over 50 ethnic communities, adding that unity in diversity remains the nation's core strength. 

Addressing the gathering as special guest, Education Minister Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haq Milon described the media as the mirror of the nation and urged journalists to refrain from spreading disinformation, distorted news, or false reports in the era of globalization.

Chaired with welcome remarks by Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Yasmin Begum, the keynote paper was presented by Somoy TV CEO and Television Editors Council Convener Zobair Babu. JASAS President and actor Ashraf Uddin Uzzal, media personality Dr. Abdul Hai Siddique, academic Prof. Dr. Abdus Sattar, and Baul artist Shafi Mondol participated as discussants.