Minister pledges cultural revival at Bogura fair
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Mir Shahe Alam, MP, has pledged full support for the development of the cultural sector in Bogura.
He made the announcement while inaugurating a five-day Baishakhi Fair at the Municipal Park and Shaheed Titu Auditorium premises here this morning.
The fair is organized by the Bogura Cultural Forum and the District Shilpakala Academy, with support from the district administration, police, Bogura Municipality, and the District Council.
Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said the government would take all necessary steps to promote Bogura’s cultural sector on an international level.
He also announced that renovation work at the Shilpakala Academy would begin soon, along with plans to build a modern recording studio for artistes.
Alam further stated that several major development projects are progressing in Bogura, including the construction of an international airport and the near completion of the Dhaka–Sirajganj–Bogura railway line.
He added that the establishment of a full-fledged university in the district is also underway.
The minister said a proposal to upgrade Bogura into a city corporation has already been approved at a pre-ECNEC meeting. If all goes as planned, the Prime Minister is expected to officially announce it on April 20.
He also highlighted various development initiatives aimed at addressing the district’s long-standing neglect over the past 17 years and thanked all those involved in organizing the fair.
Among the special guests was Member of Parliament of Bogura-6 constituency Rezaul Karim Badsha.
The event was presided over by Mozammel Haque Lalu, former president of Bogura Press Club and editor of the Daily Karatoa.
Superintendent of Police Mirza Sayem Mahmud, BNP central leader and former president of Bogura district BNP VP Saiful Islam, coordinator of Bogura Sanskritik Forum K M Khairul Bashar, Press Club President Rezaul Hasan Ranu, General Secretary Kalam Azad, and District Cultural Officer Mahmudul Hasan Lalon, among others, attended the event.
The opening ceremony featured a choral performance by 40 local artistes to welcome the Bengali New Year.
Events such as a Baishakhi Shobhajatra, painting competition, and traditional stick-fighting displays were also held.
Cultural performances were made by groups including Hindol Academy, Youth Choir, “Bhor Holo,” “Onnorokom,” and College Theatre.
Organizing committee member secretary Advocate Palash Khandakar said the five-day fair includes handicraft stalls from different regions and a variety of daily programmes.
