“We need to uphold our own cultural heritages,” he said after a cultural programme hosted by Patuakhali district administration during his visit to Kuakata in Kalapara upazila last night.

He reached the district yesterday evening on a two-day visit to Kuakata of Kalapara and Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) at Dumki upazila.

He also asked local representatives, eminent individuals, political leaders and others concerned to foster local culture keeping aside the bad sides of the foreign culture.

"Most of the cultural organisers arrange programmes by hiring renowned performers ... We have to come out of the cultural aggression and foster local culture as we have longstanding rich cultural heritages,” Hamid added.
 
Referring to satellite cultural aggression, the President observed that it has invaded our culture in many ways and urged all to remain alert.

“I’m really glad to see the cultural programme as you’ve arranged following the country’s cultural heritages,” the President said, enjoying the porgramme arranged by only local artists who highlighted the Bengali culture through their performances, including singing, dancing and puppet show.

The president expressed satisfaction over the existing communal harmony.

“Pay full attention to ensure their (Rakhine people here) survival as the country needs to continue the multi-cultural practice. Otherwise, its development won’t get a complete shape,” the President said, urging everyone to work together to uphold communal harmony of Bangladesh.

President’s family members, including his spouse Rashida Khanam, secretaries concerned to the President, representatives of the district administration, among others, were present at the function.

President Hamid will attend the 2nd convocation of the PSTU in the afternoon.