Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday stressed the need for spreading the country’s vibrant cultural activities like fairs and festivals to every district to attract the young generation to Bengali language, literature, and culture.

“Once cultural events and discussions and literature practices used to be held in every district and sub-district in the past. But this practice has largely declined. It’s essential to resume these to glorify our culture,” she said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2022, the annual event of booklovers and publishers, in the capital.

She opened the country’s biggest book fair, joining its inaugural ceremony at the Bangla Academy virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban in the afternoon.

Hasina said if such activities can be resumed, many grassroots talented poets, artists, littérateurs, and cultural activists would get the scope to flourish their talents, and people will also be able to meet their physiological needs at the same time.

“We’ve ensured food security. Now we need to fulfill the psychological demands…If such fairs or events over our culture, art, and literature are held, the young generation won’t go astray anymore as they’ll also remain committed to Bangladesh, Bengali language, literature, and culture,” said the PM.

She said though it is essential to learn a foreign language and culture, it is most important to promote one’s own roots and culture first paying special attention to glorify and expand Bengali cultural practices further.   

The Prime Minister directed the administration to take the initiative for making arrangements for such cultural fairs and events in every district.

“I think it will be appropriate if such initiative is taken in every district. I think those who are in our administration need to take the initiative. We want they’ll take this initiative,” she said.

This year’s fair is being held on the Bangla Academy premises and its adjoining Suhrawardy Udyan in the city on February 15-28. But its duration might be extended if the Covid situation improves.

Sheikh Hasina also said the duration of the fair should be extended to one month. “As we started the fair behind the schedule this time, February 15, I think we can continue it for a full month,” she said.

Besides, there is also a demand from publishers to extend its duration, she said.

Noting that she alone should not take the decision, she directed the authority concerned to consider how much they can do in this regard.

At the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister distributed the Bangla Academy Sahitya Puroshkar-2021 (Bangla Academy Literary Award 2021) among its recipients.

On her behalf, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid handed over the award to the 15 recipients under 11 categories. Each awardee received a cheque for Tk 3 lakh, a crest, and a certificate.