Cox’s Bazar to expand cultural footprint with unified cultural hub: Minister

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, MP, has announced plans to establish a unified, cultural hub in Cox’s Bazar to further organise and promote the district’s cultural scene.

The initiative aims to strengthen the cultural landscape of Cox’s Bazar, the country’s leading tourist destination, he said.

Speaking at an exchange meeting with local cultural activists at the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, October 27, the state minister said, “Cox’s Bazar is one of Bangladesh’s foremost tourist destinations. That is why we have taken up a programme to establish a cultural hub here. We hope to build a larger, unified cultural hub.”

He said Cox’s Bazar would now seek to strengthen its position on the global cultural map, following its recognition as a major tourist destination.

Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan, Superintendent of Police ANM Sajedur Rahman, Cultural Centre Director Mong Chen La, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s District Cultural Officer Syed Mohammad Ayaz Mabud and prominent local cultural personalities attended the meeting.

The state minister arrived in Cox’s Bazar on Monday, October 26, on a two-day official visit. On the first day, he attended the traditional Kalpa Jahaj Bhasha festival in Ramu as the chief guest. The festival was organised to mark Prabarana Purnima.

The proposed cultural hub is expected to help promote the district’s diverse cultural heritage in a more coordinated manner. If implemented, the initiative could strengthen coordination among local cultural activists and organisations while creating new opportunities for cultural activities across the district.