The efforts of forced assimilation of Tibetans have escalated to a much grimmer level now as China has begun targeting children of early age to replace the centuries-old local culture, values and teachings with the communist ideology. Parents are forced neither to make their children believe in religion nor engage in religious activities   Also, school-going children are forced to stay in state-run boarding schools, where only curriculum is taught only in Mandarin while the study of Tibetan language, history and culture is withdrawn. All this has led to condemnation from the international community. In a recent move, Chinese authorities have sent parents a letter asking them not to teach children not to believe in religion. The letter directed them to adhere to the ruling China Communist Party’s (CCP) principle of separation of education and religion. “No one, especially children under the age of 18, should be submitted to religious education… Educating minors not to believe in religion is an obligation for both schools and parents,” reads the letter received by parents in Yushu City of Tibet.  It even demanded that parents should educate their children not to enter places of religious activities for the healthy and better future of the children. Schools in Tibet are already holding indoctrination camps to inculcate CCP’s ideology among students. China’s endeavour of forced assimilation has separated over a million Tibetan children from their parents. The US has announced new visa restrictions against Chinese officials who are behind the forced assimilation of Tibetans.   Beijing government attempted to send Tibetan students into state-run boarding schools, far away from their homes. So Tibetan culture and language can be erased from their lives and further indoctrinated with the CCP ideology.    Tibet Action Institute said even children of 4- and 5-year-olds are forced to the boarding schools, which Beijing was using as an “insidious tool” to drive Tibetans to adopt a homogenous, patriotic Chinese identity in order to eliminate challenges to the communist regime.  In 2018, the Beijing government tried to impose a ban on Tibetan students indulging in religious activities. However, it did not bear the sought result, as per the Central Tibet Administration, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.  So, China has been resorting to different policies to achieve the goal of exterminating Tibetan ethnicity or culture. China uses the phrase “Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” to garner support for its ethnic assimilation activities. United Nations (UN) has slammed China for trying to undermine Tibetan religious, linguistic and cultural identity.  UN’s special rapporteurs said China barring students from religious activities contributed to their assimilation and erosion of their identity. “We are very disturbed that in recent years the residential school system for Tibetan children appears to act as a mandatory large-scale programme intended to assimilate Tibetans into majority Han culture, contrary to international human rights standards,” they said.     China is forcing existing Tibetan schools to change the medium of instruction to only Chinese, failing to which they face a shutdown.  Tsering Passang, a Tibetan parent who lives in London, said the separation of children from their parents was a violation of Article 9 of the UN Declaration. “The forced residential schooling of Tibetan children in Tibet is a deeply personal tragedy for parents who witness their families torn apart and their cultural heritage systematically erased,” he said.  Tibetan educational sociologist Gyal Lo said “The Chinese government is tearing families apart and forcing these vulnerable children to become strangers to their own Tibetan culture.”  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged China to “end the coercion of Tibetan children into government-run boarding schools and to cease repressive assimilation policies in Tibet.” The Czech Republic too has opposed the ongoing indoctrination of Tibetan children at early ages and attempts to enforce allegiance to the rule and the ideology of the CCP. Beijing government’s efforts to build a single Chinese national identity by eradicating Tibetan and other ethnic identities are going to have far-reaching consequences. “It is relatively easier to brainwash school students and minors as their religious perception is in the naive stage. However, once it is achieved, it will create a pro-CCP and anti-religious generation and will last forever,” said a person close to the developments. Source : Voices Against Autocracy

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "Government will take steps to establish Bangladesh's culture in the international arena. Alongside this, we will take strong initiatives to merge the development of Bangladesh's culture in the mindset of the new generation so that the new generation does not forget the uniqueness of our culture. During the establishment of six development projects Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "As we are progressing in socio-economic development, we also need to advance culturally.  We will take necessary measures so that our culture can hold a strong position in the global arena." On Tuesday, july 04, PM Hasina participated in an event organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at the Bangladesh National Museum at Shahbag, Dhaka, through video conference from her official residence, Ganabhaban. She stated that her government is working relentlessly to incorporate technology for further development of the culture of Bangladesh.

At the tender age of 23, Shah Ifra, affectionately known as 'Kouri Mohneyuv' among the locals, has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of Kashmiri art. Hailing from the picturesque district of Srinagar, Shah Ifra's artistic journey began in 2018 when she enrolled in the esteemed art college in her hometown. In 2022, Shah Ifra graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts Painting from the Department of Music and Fine Arts at the University of Kashmir. Since then, her creativity has been showcased in various exhibitions and art events, allowing her to make a name for herself as a talented and versatile artist. One of the notable milestones in Shah Ifra's career was her participation in the first-ever gallery exhibition at the Sher-Garhi complex in Srinagar, organized by the Gayoor Art Foundation. Her exquisite works captivated art enthusiasts and further cemented her reputation as a rising star in the Kashmiri art scene. Not content with local recognition alone, Shah Ifra's talent has garnered attention on a national level. She had the privilege of exhibiting her artwork under the Raza Foundation, representing one of the 100 young artists from across India. This exposure not only provided a platform for her unique artistic expression but also allowed her to connect with fellow creatives from diverse backgrounds. In 2020, Shah Ifra proudly participated in the renowned Kochi Biennial, a gathering of talented artists from around the world. This experience broadened her horizons, exposing her to new perspectives and artistic techniques. She cherishes the memories and friendships forged during this prestigious event, considering it a pivotal moment in her artistic development. Shah Ifra's dedication to her craft extends beyond exhibitions and events. She actively engages in art camps and workshops, eager to expand her skills and learn from established artists. One such event was the Art Camp Vitasta, jointly organized by the NZCC North Zone Cultural Center and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. This collaboration allowed her to immerse herself in an enriching environment where she honed her skills in performance art, painting, illustrations, and installations. As a figurative artist, Shah Ifra skillfully merges figures with text, imbuing her artwork with a profound storytelling quality. Her creations serve as a medium to preserve and celebrate Kashmiri culture, weaving together the rich tapestry of traditions, history, and emotions that define the region. Through her art, she aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride in her heritage, while also raising awareness of the unique challenges faced by Kashmiri society. Shah Ifra's passion and dedication to her art are evident in every stroke of her brush and every line she carefully crafts. Her distinctive artistic style and commitment to cultural preservation have earned her admiration and respect among her peers and the wider artistic community. In Shah Ifra's own words, she said, "Art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people on a deep, emotional level. Through my work, I strive to capture the essence of Kashmiri culture and share it with the world. Art allows us to communicate our stories, our struggles, and our hopes in a language that is universally understood." Shah Ifra continues to evolve as an artist, her future appears promising, brimming with potential and boundless creativity. With her unwavering determination and unwavering passion, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the art world, both locally and internationally. In a world where art has the power to bridge divides, Shah Ifra stands as a testament to the transformative and unifying nature of artistic expression.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday stressed that Buddhist culture, which thrives on peaceful co-existence of every sentient being, should not only be preserved but also propagated. In his address at a national conference on “Nalanda Buddhism – Retracing the source in footsteps of Acharyas: From Nalanda to Himalayas and beyond”, he said that Arunachal Pradesh has a big chunk of Buddhists and “fortunately they have kept their culture and traditions safe with religious fervor”. “The main pillar on which Nalanda Buddhism stands is the principle of ‘reasoning and analysis’. This means we can even bring the teachings of Lord Buddha under the ambit of reasoning and analysis. This logic is based on science and perhaps Buddhism is the only religion that gives its followers this liberty,” he said. Welcoming the delegates from all the Himalayan states of the country, the Chief Minister told them that Arunachal Pradesh is a mix of religious followers. The Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) organised the national conference at Zemithang in Tawang district, which is one of the holiest places of Buddhism. Over 600 delegates attended the conference from different parts of the country. Khandu said: “Arunachal Pradesh is not home only to Buddhism but to several religions including those who follow their own indigenous faith. I believe that every religion and faith should flourish and exist peacefully. I am proud that we Arunachalis are doing just that.” Zemithang is the Indian border post through which the 14th Dalai Lama entered India in 1959, the Chief Minister said adding that therefore, holding this conference here is very significant. Noting that while Buddhism is expanding globally and witnessing important resurgence in few traditional areas, Khandu pushed for the need to make its presence vibrant with roots connected to Nalanda Buddhism. He specifically urged all to attend the session on ‘Nalanda Buddhism in 21st century – Challenges and response’, which, he said, would be of great importance for the young generation of Buddhists. The one-day conference was attended by 45 delegates of revered Rinpoches, Geshes, Khenpos and scholars from the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir (Paddar-Pangi), Sikkim, north West Bengal (Darjeeling, Doors, Jaigaon, and Kalimpong), South India monasteries and 35 delegates from various parts of Arunachal Pradesh like Tuting, Mechuka, Taksing and Anini and others. Source: theshillongtimes.com

As the Assamese New Year arrives, the vibrant town of Sepon in the trisection of Dibrugarh, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts of eastern Assam, celebrates 30 years of centrally celebrating the Rongali Bihu. This year Sepon Kendriyo Rongali Bihu Sonmilon is celebrating its 30th anniversary, setting the stage for one of the most coveted cultural events in Northeast India. From its humble beginnings in 1993, a group of passionate Bihu lovers founded this festival to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Assam. Over the years, the festival has grown into an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike. Sepon, situated at the intersection of Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, and Charaideo districts, transforms into a cultural hotspot during the Rongali Bihu festival. The Sepon College Playground comes alive with various cultural activities, folklore exhibitions, creative competitions, and musical concerts. The festival is also known for its hospitality, serving traditional food and offering a platform for veteran artists, writers, and intellectuals to gather and discuss pressing issues. This year, the Sepon Kendriyo Rongali Bihu Sonmilon is gearing up to celebrate the annual Rongali Bihu festival under the theme of ‘save nature’. The festival organizers have chosen to focus on the theme of ‘save nature’ as a way to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability practices along with highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Assam, including its music, dance, food, and customs. The Bihu Sonmilon committee has announced plans to organize a range of activities that align with the theme of saving nature, including tree-planting drives, awareness campaigns about waste management and recycling, and discussions on climate change and its impact on Assam’s ecology. One of the highlights of the festival is the publication of books on diverse topics, such as environmental protection measures and tree planting. Through these publications and social development programs, the festival aims to increase creativity, talent, and a sense of responsibility in future generations. The musical stage is where Sepon Bihu truly shines, featuring legendary singers as well as modern-day heartthrobs. Sepon, a small commercial town in eastern Assam, boasts a unique heritage that traces back to the glorious 600-year-old Ahom dynasty. The name ‘Sepon’ signifies the town’s emotional solidarity, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and culture. The Sepon Kendriyo Rongali Bihu Sonmilon has played a significant role in promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Assam. Its impact is undeniable, reflected in the festival’s continued growth and success. The 30th anniversary of the festival is a testament to the Sepon Kendriyo Rongali Bihu Sonmilon’s unwavering spirit and dedication to promoting Assamese culture and traditions. As the festival comes to a close, the people of Sepon look forward to continuing this cherished tradition for generations to come. Source: thenewsmill.com

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said BNP has destroyed the country's democratic culture, structures and institutions.  "Due to their (BNP's) anti-democratic politics, the democratic advancement of the country has repeatedly been halted," he said in a statement. Condemning and protesting the falsehood and propaganda of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Quader said Fakhrul and other BNP leaders talk about democracy but they criticise democratic institutions without going to elections. "How will BNP establish democracy by continuing undemocratic practices within the party?" he questioned. Following the footsteps of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, the BNP gifted the nation elections of farce - the February 15 polls, voter-less Magura and Mirpur by-polls, the AL general secretary said. He said the country's people know better that who formed the Aziz-mark Election Commission (EC) and created around 1.23 crore fake voters. Quader said Mirza Fakhrul is the secretary general of such a party that he seems to have forgotten when the party's last conference was held. "How will they establish democracy in the country as BNP does not have democracy within it?" he asked. The AL general secretary said dictator Ziaur Rahman destroyed the country's democratic values and electoral system in the name of "Yes-No Vote" in 1977 aiming to sustain his power by illegally occupying the posts of army chief, chief martial law officer and the President simultaneously. Quader said BNP is the main obstacle to the implementation of the underlying ideals of democracy in the country.  The road transport and bridges minister said the voting rights of the country's people have been established through a long struggle and sacrifice under the AL's leadership.

Bangladesh was named world champion in corruption five times. They turned the country into a dysfunctional, bigoted and terrorist state.' This is how Awami League organising secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel describes the BNP. Under him local units of the BNP became pockets of corruption. During his time corruption and misuse of power resulted in the wastage of almost 40 percent of the total resources earmarked for development Zia’s failed initiative of Sawnirvar Gram Sarker as the model of "grassroots democracy" was built on loyalty to his party and patronage distribution.   Under Zia, presidential, parliamentary and local level elections were thoroughly manipulated in favour of his party. Through the appointment of weak and pliable persons as Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, he treated the Commission as an administrative unit to be used and misused to serve his personal, coterie and party interests. Politics of patronage and corruption became the order of the day in the delivery of local services.   Moreover, BNP’s brand of Bangladeshi nationalism is religion-driven. General Ziaur Rahman legitimised the pro-Pakistani collaborators by removing the ban on them.   It must be noted that the BNP was first elected to government in 1979, on a platform of "inscribing Islam into the constitution and pursuing social justice rather than socialism". The period 2001-06 is considered as one of the darkest chapters in the history of Bangladesh during which period large-scale corruption flourished with direct patronage from the highest level of the kleptocratic 4-Party Alliance Government led by BNP.   During the reign of the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the corrupt and criminal acts of her notorious sons, Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko was largely responsible for Bangladesh suffering from the ignominy of being the most corrupt nation in the world for five years in a row as reported by the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of Transparency International (TI).   While some of their misdeeds were vaguely reported during the tenure of this deeply corrupt regime, it was during the 2007-08 caretaker government that the full extent of the institutional corruption, sponsored and sanctioned from the very top of the regime, started to become clear. The court found Zia guilty of misappropriating 21 million takas ($252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust during her premiership between 2001 and 2006.   The court also convicted Zia’s son, Tarique Rahman, and four others to ten years in prison in the same case. Rahman is currently living in exile in London. There are also other criminal conspiracy charges pending against him in Bangladesh. In a confidential cable from the US Embassy in Dhaka (Nov. 3, 2008) from the then Ambassador James F Moriarty to the US State Department, the following assessment of Tarique Rahman was given in recommending a ban on his entry into the United States: "Tarique (Rahman) is guilty of egregious political corruption that has had a serious adverse effect on US national interests… Tarique Rahman is the notorious and widely feared son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and a symbol of kleptocratic government and violent politics in Bangladesh...Tarique Rahman’s flagrant corruption has also seriously threatened specific US mission goals: democratization, development, and denial of space to terrorists………. his flagrant disregard for the rule of law has provided potent ground for terrorists to gain a foothold in Bangladesh"   Apart from the cases where the fact and trail of corruption of the Zia family have already been established, a number of similar corruption cases are pending in various courts against Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman and others. All of these cases, Zia Orphanage Trust Corruption Case, Barapukuria Corruption Case, GATCO Corruption Case and Niko Corruption Case have been filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) during 2007-2008 during the Caretaker Government regime. For the next five years of the BNP-Jamaat reign, a surfeit of Islamist radical terror groups like HUJI, JMB and Ansarullah Bangla Team surfaced or consolidated their position in Bangladesh, unleashing horrible pogroms against minority Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. Jamaat-e-Islami had opposed the break-up of Pakistan and the emergence of an independent Bangladesh, with its top politicians functioning as local collaborators of the Pakistan army in its genocidal campaign.   BNP always enjoys strong Pakistani backing. Begum Khaleda Zia had even graced the Pakistan Army Day programme at the Pakistan embassy in London in 2019 before the parliamentary polls. The BNP’s culture of corruption and promotion of radical Islam has had an enormously negative impact in terms of a country’s socio-political and economic advancement, backsliding the nation’s economic growth, administrative efficiency and political development.   Noman Hossain:  The writer is an independent journalist based in Bangladesh

Beyond his political career, Mikhail Gorbachev became an unlikely cultural icon, appearing in ads for Pizza Hut and Louis Vuitton. He was immortalized in film by Werner Herzog, and even won a Grammy Award. Hours after the news of Mikhail Gorbachev’s death was made public, Pizza Hut started trending on Twitter. Amid the tributes to the last leader of the Soviet Union who initiated the fall of the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall through his perestroika and glasnost policies, a 25-year-old ad for the pizza chain went viral. The clip opens with a series of shots of Moscow landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and St. Basil’s Cathedral, and then shows Mikhail Gorbachev and a young girl, presumably his granddaughter, walking through a snowy Red Square before they enter a Pizza Hut restaurant. The other clients in the restaurant recognize their former leader and all start discussing his legacy. While a middle-aged man complains that because of Gorbachev, they face economic confusion and political instability, and are even plunged into complete chaos, a younger guy points out that he is the reason that they’ve gained access to opportunity and freedom. An older lady at the table ends the dispute with one killer argument: Because of him, we have many things like Pizza Hut, she points out, and everyone agrees, leading them to cheer, Hail to Gorbachev! Commercials to finance his foundations Along with charging fees for the lectures he gave around the world, appearing in ads was one of the ways Gorbachev used to finance his foundations. The think-tank International Foundation for Socio-Economic and Political Studies, also known as the Gorbachev Foundation, was created in 1991 to monitor developments in post-Soviet Russia and promote democratic values. In 1993, Gorbachev also used the money from his Nobel Peace Prize to help establish the Novaya Gazeta newspaper, known for its critical and investigative coverage of Russian politics. Gorbachev’s Geneva-based non-profit environmental organization, Green Cross International, was also set up that same year. Among the products Gorbachev agreed to promote were Apple Computers. In the 1994 ad created for German publications, Gorbachev is shown standing next to a Macintosh computer. A man can either be part of the solution or part of the problem, the caption says, quoting the politician, I have chosen the former. The computer screen happens to be flashing the name and symbol of Green Cross International. A Louis Vuitton ad that reflected a Russian murder case But it was the details of another commercial that triggered questions. In 2007, Gorbachev appeared in an advertisement for French luxury label Louis Vuitton. In a portrait by star photographer Annie Leibovitz, the former Soviet leader is shown in the back of a car, driving past the remains of the Berlin Wall a reference to political legacy. He has a classic brown Louis Vuitton bag sitting next to him. There’s a magazine poking out of that bag. Those who were curious enough to zoom into the picture to analyze its contents still were required to understand the Russian language to read the front cover headline: Litvinenko’s murder: They wanted to give up the suspect for $7,000. That was the cover of the May 28, 2007 edition of the New Times magazine, a liberal Russian weekly that has often published pieces critical of President Vladimir Putin. The magazine’s cover refers to the case of Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian spy and prominent critic of Putin who was poisoned. On his deathbed, Litvinenko accused the Russian president of having orchestrated his murder. The suspect above-mentioned in the headline refers to Andrei Lugovoi, who is wanted by British authorities; the Kremlin has, however, refused to extradite him from Russia. Responding to internet speculation at the time, Louis Vuitton spokespeople said that the magazine shown in the image was not chosen with any deliberate intention beyond adding authenticity to the look of the picture. Nina Hagen’s rap for Mikhail Singer Nina Hagen, aka the German Godmother of Punk, paid an early tribute to Gorbachev in a humorous rap song titled Michail, Michail (Gorbachev rap), released on her eponymous album from 1989. The song’s lyrics were actually written by her stepfather, poet and singer-songwriter Wolf Biermann, who is one of former East Germany’s most famous dissidents. Biermann also released his own version of the song that same year, on his album Gut Kirschenessen. DDR ça ira! An astute observer of the changes emerging from Gorbachev’s glasnost and perestroika reforms, Biermann advised his dear Gorbi through the lyrics of the song to stay smart to avoid cannons instead of butter, all while reminding him that, alongside freedom, the population will need food, too (Nix is mit Freiheit ohne Futter). From a Grammy Award to a Werner Herzog documentary Gorbachev also contributed to a number of noteworthy media productions. His recording of Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf (1936), created with Bill Clinton and Sophia Loren, won the 2004 Grammy Award for best spoken-word album for children. Different documentaries also feature interviews with the pivotal political figure. Most prominently, Werner Herzog directed Meeting Gorbachev, which features three conversations filmed over the course of six months. In the 2018 film, Gorbachev discusses different aspects of his personal life, his legacy, as well as his disappointments. At the time of the shoot, Gorbachev was already in poor health, but he was still clear-headed about what was happening in his country. The democratic reforms he had tried to set up were being swept aside, with Russian President Vladimir Putin using authoritarian measures to reinstate the Soviet empire that collapsed under Gorbachev’s watch. One quote from the Meeting Gorbachev film summarizes the melancholy mood triggered by the overturn of Gorbachev’s attempted democratic reforms. Herzog asks the veteran politician: I would like to hear, what should be on your gravestone? With a sparkle in his eye, Gorbachev simply answers: We tried.

Banking on cutting-edge technology, the Culture Ministry has envisioned a plan to digitally map boundaries of over 3,600 centrally-protected monuments for greater security and checking encroachment through enhanced monitoring of these sites. Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy has said technology giant Google could help the government in doing this job, and talks between the ministry and the search engine giant are being planned.   There are a total of 3,693 heritage sites in India protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that falls within the purview of the ministry.   In continuation of the decade-long partnership between the Ministry of Culture and Google, a project named 'India ki Udaan' was unveiled at a glittering event at the Sunder Nursery here on Friday night to mark the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', which captures several milestones India has achieved in its journey of 75 years since Independence, as well as the legacy of iconic personalities.   The project executed by the Google Arts & Culture, celebrates the country's achievements, and is "themed on the unwavering and undying spirit of India over these past 75 years". It draws from rich archives and features artistic illustrations to tell the story of the country. In his address at the event, G Kishan Reddy also said Google could help the culture ministry in digital mapping the boundaries of its over 3,600 centrally-protected monuments that will help in better monitoring of sites and check any encroachment.   Google can also help in digitisation of rare archival material, he said.   "Therefore, we urge Google team to be a partner in government's transformative journey, as also promote India's tourism destinations," G Kishan Reddy said.   Later speaking to PTI on the sidelines of the event, the union culture minister said, "A lot of manpower is required in monitoring the sites. So, through technology we can easily map the sites for security purposes and to check encroachment".   G Kishan Reddy said what the ministry has envisioned is that through cutting-edge technology, these sites can be monitored from the headquarters in New Delhi.   "So, we can monitor every monument, and what is going on there, sitting in Delhi. That is what we want to do," he said, adding, that "they are going to meet us, and we will discuss it in detail".   The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is headquartered in Delhi, housed at the Dharohar Bhawan led by its director general, and has circles at regional levels, headed by a superintending archaeologist in each circle.   The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958, was amended in 2010 to declare the 100-metre radius of protected monuments as prohibited areas and the next 300-metre radius as regulated areas. The protection of the ASI sites are governed under this act. The union culture minister in a written response to a query in Lok Sabha on August 1 had said that the ASI maintains protected monuments through its Circles and "there is no provision to release funds to Non-Government Organisations (NGO)".     "The ASI undertakes regular conservation and preservation of centrally-protected monuments, sites. For security, watch and ward is provided through multitasking staff (MTS) personnel, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and private security," he had said. Source: NDTV

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) said the culture has no clash with the religions referring to numerous attacks on the culture including killing people by bombings during celebration of the Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year. "Some people want to create confrontation between culture and religions. This is not correct at all. Religions are for individuals, but festivals are for all. We celebrate our festivals together," she said. The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the newly constructed buildings of Shilpakala Academies in eight districts -- Dhaka, Kushtia, Khulna, Jamalpur, Narayanganj, Pabna, Manikganj, Moulvibazar and Rangpur. She virtually joined the programme held at Shilpakala Academy from her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital while offices of the deputy commissioners of the eight districts were remotely connected to it.  The premier stressed the need for protecting Bangalees own culture and heritage particularly area-based ones alongside culture of small ethnic groups and tribal people.  She also advocated for knowing modern culture and musical equipment by protecting the local culture and heritage and thus flourish own culture.  Sheikh Hasina said they had faced obstruction to observe the Pahela Baishakh-1414 when they were in opposition and even people were killed by bombings at Ramna Batamul aimed at stopping Bangalees cultural practices. The Pahela Baishakh is the only festival which is celebrated by all, she said, adding that this year, the festival will be celebrated on limited scale after two years of hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She however asked all to take precautionary measures as the Covid-19 pandemic is yet to end, despite it is under control. A documentary on the newly constructed buildings of Shilpakala Academies in the eight districts was also screened at the function. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid and Secretary of Cultural Affairs Ministry Md Abul Monsur spoke on the occasion while Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky gave the welcome address. The design of the eight districts’ Shilpakala Academies’ buildings was formulated highlighting the districts' cultural heritage and history. Each of the building has all the required modern facilities that included modern sound system and open stage. Sheikh Hasina said her government, after assuming power in 1996, had taken every possible measure to flourish the Bengali culture and heritage as the post 1975 governments had no idea and zeal about the culture. The Prime Minister asked all concerned to work for further spreading the distinctiveness of the Bengali culture across the globe.      In a bid to enrich the Bengali culture and provide scope to the people to practice it largely, she said her government has a plan to build a cultural complex in all upazilas across the country. "We will build cultural complex in all 493 upazilas across the country so that our children from each upazila can get opportunity to flourish their talents and do cultural practices," she said. The Prime Minister asked all concerned to build the multipurpose hall in the cultural complex in the upazila level in such a way so cinemas including feature films and short films could be screened. "So, you have to prepare the projects keeping that in your mind," she said, adding that then the people will get chance to be amused. Sheikh Hasina said that the practices of the Bengali culture would have to be continued. "We must not forget our tradition, and at the same time, we have to go with the trend of the new era. Our children need to cope with modern culture and they have to adopt and practice that," she said.  She put emphasise on attaining knowledge of modern technology alongside practicing and protecting Bangalees tradition. She said that tradition, modern technology and knowledge cannot be separated from each other. The Prime Minister said that people from all religions along with small ethnic group lives in Bangladesh. "We have created scope to flourish all cultures," she said, adding special attention needs to enrich those further. The premier said that for a country it is urgently needed to practice own culture for its further progress.      She stressed the need for required measures to enrich the area based culture such as songs, literature, Jatra, Kobi Gaan and others. "These are our invaluable assets and we have to give special attention for its progress," she said. Sheikh Hasina reiterated that her government has allocated a fund of Tk 1000 crore to modernise the old cinema halls, build new ones and overall development of the film industry. She urged the owners of the halls to avail the opportunity and modernise their cinema halls. Source: BSS AH