Culture key to resisting cultural domination: Dr Shafiq

Cultural domination cannot be resisted merely through protests or speeches but through sustained cultural initiatives, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Friday.

“Cultural domination can only be resisted through cultural initiatives,” he said while addressing a Nat-e-Rasul (SAW) and Qawwali evening organised by Deshiyo Sangskritik Sangsad at the auditorium of the National Museum in Dhaka on Friday on the occasion of holy Rabiul Awal.

Dr Shafiqur said Bangladesh had fallen behind in some areas in preserving, nurturing and developing its own cultural traditions, creating space for what he described as "cultural aggression".

He said such domination could not be countered through rhetoric alone. Rather, a nation could be placed on a healthy cultural foundation only through meaningful cultural activities and initiatives.

At the beginning of his speech, the Jamaat chief announced that he would sponsor Umrah for the three first-place winners of the Nat-e-Rasul competition, one from each of the three categories.

Referring to the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he said cultural activities had played an important role alongside political activities. Even a beautiful song, he added, could illuminate the heart with the light of faith and refresh the human spirit.

The programme featured a prize-giving ceremony for the Nat-e-Rasul competition, followed by a session of Naat and Qawwali performances. A Seerah book exhibition, drawing and Hadith calligraphy exhibitions were also organised, along with prizes for winners of the Hadith calligraphy competition.

Noted writer and social worker Advocate Motiur Rahman Akand, writer and editor Abul Asad, social worker Nurul Islam Bulbul MP, Barrister Nazibur Rahman MP, Professor Moktar Ali MP and Kishor Kantho Foundation Chairman Nurul Islam Saddam, among others, attended the event.

Deshiyo Sangskritik Sangsad President Saifullah Mansur chaired the programme.

The organisation had earlier arranged a nationwide Nat-e-Rasul competition in three categories, drawing several hundred participants. Judges and audience engagement helped select the top 10 contestants from each category. The winners received cash prizes, crests and certificates at Friday's event.