“Importance and Challenges of Protecting Heritage of Small Ethnic Groups in Promoting National Culture”

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.