BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organized a Seminar on “Importance and Challenges of Protecting Heritage of Small Ethnic Groups in Promoting National Culture” on 18 April 2019 at BIISS Auditorium in Dhaka. Mr. K M Khalid, MP, honourable State Minister, Ministry of Cultural Affairs was the Chief Guest of the Seminar. Professor Dr. Syed Anwar Husain, Bangabandhu Chair, Bangladesh University of Professionals delivered the keynote presentation. Mr. Naba Bikram Kishore Tripura, ndc, Chairman, Chattogram Hill Tracts Development Board; Professor Dr. Pradanendu Bikash Chakma, Vice-Chancellor, Rangamati Science and Technology University; Md. Mesbahul Islam, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and Brig Gen Khandaker Md Shahidul Emran, afwc, psc, Region Commandar, Bandarban Region were present as the panel discussants. Major General A K M Abdur Rahman, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS chaired the seminar and delivered the address of welcome.

Professor Dr. Syed Anwar Husain explored different important aspects of ethnic groups’ culture that include language, tradition, festivals etc. He also highlighted on how these groups are contributing to enrich the cultural diversity of Bangladesh through diverse social customs and cultures. He discussed the opportunities of cultural exchange and cooperation for their development. He added that the development of ethnic culture could bring unity in diversity which ultimately could promote and strengthen  national solidarity.

In his welcome address, Major General A K M Abdur Rahman, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS, noted that the active participation of small ethnic groups with their creative thoughts, perception and knowledge is important for the successful implementation of vision 2021. He also added that understanding cultural diversity would help Bangladesh to prevent racial and ethnic divisions. In his remarks as the Chief Guest, K M Khalid, MP said that this seminar would contribute in strengthening communal harmony between the Bengali people and people of different small ethnic groups in Bangladesh through cultural exchange and co-operation. He also said that current government has been working to realize CHT Peace Accord and has taken all kinds of initiative for promoting the cultures of ethnic minorities.

Representatives of different small ethnic groups in Bangladesh, scholars, academia, policy makers, former and current government officials, former ambassadors, military officials, students, representatives from media were present in the seminar. They highlighted and deliberated on various aspects of promoting cultural diversity of different small ethnic groups in Bangladesh