There is no clash between culture and religions: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 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 premier came up with the observation 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 here 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, reports BSS.

Each of the building has all the required modern facilities that included modern sound system and open stage.