Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam on Wednesday said cultural practice is indispensable for building a healthy, enlightened and drug-free society and guiding the younger generation in the right direction.

“Alongside education, cultural activities are essential for a healthy society and sound mind,” he said while addressing a discussion, award-giving ceremony and cultural programme organised marking the “International Dance Day 2026” at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium in the capital.

The DSCC administrator expressed concern that a large section of the younger generation is drifting away from its cultural roots due to excessive use of mobile phones.

“Our adolescents and youths are becoming confined to digital devices, which is hindering their creative development,” he said.

Abdus Salam also lamented that dance, one of the major elements of Bengali culture, is gradually losing its appeal among the younger generation, warning that such detachment from cultural and creative pursuits is not a positive sign for the future.

Highlighting the role of culture in preventing drug addiction, he said youths engaged in dance, music or sports are less likely to fall prey to drugs. “If a young person remains involved in dance, music or sports, drugs can never consume him,” he said.

Calling upon parents to encourage children to participate in cultural and creative activities alongside academic studies, the DSCC administrator said the cultural environment once prevalent in educated families needs to be revived.

He urged all concerned to work collectively alongside the government to build a culturally enriched society.

The event was presided over by Prof Dr Nigar Chowdhury, member of Bangladesh Nritya Shilpi Sangstha.