Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury stated that over the past 18 years, Bangladesh’s civil administration, police, and all constitutional, autonomous, and cultural institutions have been destroyed. Speaking to journalists after a tree-planting event at the Jhenaidah District Council and Deputy Commissioner’s office grounds on Friday, June 26, he said the government is working to rebuild these institutions and restore the nation’s cultural heritage. He noted that Bangladesh has established cultural diplomatic relations with 48 countries to revive its lost cultural traditions.

The minister emphasized that the country’s cultural heritage is thousands of years old and rich, and that the government is taking steps to revive it. Excavations have begun under the Department of Archaeology to recover ancient relics, and initiatives are underway to activate the National Book Centre and public libraries nationwide. Efforts are also being made to collect and preserve nearly extinct folk traditions such as Bhatiali, Bhawaiya, Puthi literature, Khona’s sayings, and songs of Lalon Fakir.

Chowdhury urged people to reject obscene performances, saying such acts have no place in Bangladesh’s culture. He directed local administrations to promote healthy, tradition-based cultural practices.