PM Calls For Promoting Local Arts

PM Calls For Promoting Local Arts


Caption: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visits the gallery at Osmani Memorial Auditorium after inaugurating the 14th Asian Art Biennial '10 in the capital Friday. Photo: PIDUnb, Dhaka
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday called upon all concerned to be more attentive for promoting local arts and culture and take initiative to develop an "art-language" of local heritage and culture.
The PM made the call while inaugurating the 14th Asian Art Biennial Bangladesh 2010 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
Hasina said that amid fierce competition of globalisation of this decade, "our traditions of culture, human values and rich inheritances are facing a tough challenge."
She said that the culture of the country should be further enriched to face the challenges of the present time and also in the future.
Hasina expressed the high hope that the cultural activists and the artists of the country would be able to face the tough challenge with their talent and creativity.
She said that none would be able to create anything of lasting impact without relation to his or her homeland. "But that doesn't mean shutting down the window. We've to open our windows to see the world. By this, others will also learn from our great creations."
Referring to the present government's various activities for the betterment and flourishing of local arts and culture, Hasina that her government always patronises expanding local arts and culture to the rest of the world.
"Our government is always alert in trying to combine the cultural heritage with the overall development strategy to be a developed nation in the world arena."
She said that after killing the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 the perpetrators repeatedly tried to destroy the local culture and heritage. "Hectic moves were going on to input foreign culture by putting aside our own rich culture."
The premier said that she is in favour of building a bridge by jumping the divide of North-South and East-West. "In that context, we are taking initiative to build infrastructures for regional and inter-regional connectivity that will help increase communication and exchanges among different countries and cultures."
She said Asia is the land of diversified ancient heritage and cultures. The impact of globalisation is visible in the Asian culture.
She mentioned that the biennale art exhibition would help the artists of the region to know about themselves.
The premier distributed grand prizes among three participants of Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh while six honorary prizes to six participants.
Later, the PM visited the arts works on display at the auditorium.
The exhibition will continue up to November 6 in different parts of the city.
Chaired by Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Abul Kalam Azad, the inaugural function was also addressed by State Minister for Cultural Affairs Promod Mankin, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy director general Kamal Lohani and noted artist Rafiqunnabi.


(Source:ET)