Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury on Saturday has called on the people to extend cooperation to the government in order to ensure the country’s continued development and progress.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception programme organised in the afternoon at Alokdiar Pukhuria Secondary School by former students now based in Dhaka.

The minister said that a “neutral and fair election” has led to the formation of a new government after 17 years, adding that everyone must work together to strengthen the country’s economy and social development.

He said, The long years of authoritarian rule weakened the economy through money laundering and left the nation in a vulnerable state. To rebuild this fragile economy, everyone must work in unity.

Highlighting the importance of culture, the minister said cultural values reflect a nation’s level of development. A country’s cultural condition indicates how developed it is, he said, adding that efforts should be made to eliminate “negative cultural influences” and promote a clean and positive cultural environment.

Special guest Magura-1 lawmaker Md Monowar Hossain Khan said that a healthy cultural environment is essential to build a society free from terrorism, drugs and extortion. He urged people to support the government’s development initiatives.

Magura District Administrator Md Abdullah Al Mahmud and Superintendent of Police Molla Azad Hossain were also present at the event.