BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a Seminar on “Promoting Cultural Diversity of Small Ethnic Groups in Bangladesh” on 17 April 2017 at BIISS Auditorium in Dhaka. Professor Dr. Gowher Rizvi, Adviser to the Hon’ble Prime Minister on International Affairs was the Chief Guest of the Seminar. Mr. Naba Bikram Kishore Tripura, ndc, Secretary, Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs chaired the seminar. Major General A K M Abdur Rahman, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS delivered the address of welcome.

Dr. Syed Anwar Husain, Supernumerary Professor, Dept. of History, University of Dhaka delivered the keynote presentation. Professor Dr. 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. Major General (Retd.) Anup Kumar Chakma, Former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Myanmar; and Professor Meghna Guhathakurta, Research Initiative Bangladesh on behalf of Major General Md. Jahangir Kabir Talukder, awc, psc, GOC, 24 Infantry Division, Major General A K M Abdur Rahman, ndc, psc, Director General, BIISS spoke as the panel discussants in the Seminar.  

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. In his remarks as the Chief Guest, Professor Dr. Gowher Rizvi said that this seminar will contribute in strengthening communal harmony between the Bengali people and people of different small ethnic groups in Bangladesh through cultural exchange and co-operation. Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, Chairman, Board of Governors, BIISS, also mentioned the necessity of engaging various ethnic groups to ensure sustainable national development in his vote of thanks. 

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.