Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasised on increasing cultural and literary activities at district level.
“Cultural and literary practices, including cultural programmes and discussions on literature, were held at the district and upazila levels which have decreased nowadays. We have to reintroduce the practices and increase our cultural programmes to further strengthen our existence,” she said.
She said Bangla Academy could take initiatives in this regard.
PM told it while opening virtually the Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2022 in the city as the chief guest from her official Ganabhaban residence this afternoon on Tuesday evening.
She said that many talented poets, artistes, litterateurs and cultural activists would come to the light from different regions of Bangladesh if the practices could be increased.
The Prime Minister opined that the increased cultural practices would keep the young generation away from wrongdoings and increase their interest in Bangladesh, Bengali Language, Bengali literature and Bengali culture.
At the programme, Sheikh Hasina also distributed the Bangla Academy Sahitya Puroshkar-2021 (Bangla Academy Literature Award) at the opening ceremony. On behalf of the Prime Minister, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid handed over the awards to the recipients and spoke at the function as special guest. Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Abul Mansur spoke on the occasion with Bangla Academy President writer Selina Hossain in the chair.
Bangla Academy Director General poet Mohammad Nurul Huda delivered the welcome speech while Bangladesh Publisher and Book-Sellers Association President Md Arif Hossain Chhoton, also spoke.

T