The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has stepped forward to support the medical treatment of eminent cultural figure and artist Mustafa Monwar by providing financial assistance as he remains hospitalised in critical condition.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has outlined a range of proposed initiatives for the year-long observance, including a large-scale Nazrul Fair, an international conference of Nazrul scholars, nationwide competitions based on the poet’s works, and the publication of a commemorative volume featuring selected writings.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced a three-day nationwide programme from June 18 to 20 to mark the inauguration of “Nazrul Barsha”, with events planned across all 64 districts and 74 remote or special upazilas of the country.

Rabindranath Tagore’s 165th birth anniversary and Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 127th birth anniversary will be observed with national-level celebrations, according to a preparatory meeting held on Sunday at the Secretariat.

The programme sought to highlight the values of peace, harmony and humanity associated with Christmas through a range of musical performances, including carol songs and kirtan.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has issued a statement congratulating photographer Amir Hamja, whose powerful image has been featured in TIME’s ‘100 Photos of the Year’. His photograph, depicting the funeral prayers of Didarul Islam, was selected for its emotional depth and global impact.

By bringing together film, music, and public spaces, the Ministry hopes to create an atmosphere of reflection and unity — reminding citizens of the enduring importance of freedom, justice, and cultural resistance.

The performances that follow will include Shyama Sangeet, devotional songs, patriotic numbers, and contemporary songs. Solo performers scheduled to appear include Anima Rai, Deblina Sur Dola, Rituraj and Sinthi Saha.

Marking the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to host “Ananda Utsab” at the Nandan Mancha of the academy. Supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the programme will take place on Friday, 6 June, at 7pm.

To mark the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, has organised a simultaneous cultural festival across six districts, including Dhaka, for today at 7pm. While the Buddhist holiday falls on May 11 this year, the festivities are scheduled a day in advance.

The Monsoon Revolution Film Production Workshop has officially been launched under the initiative of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, with the vision of decentralising the filmmaking industry and nurturing new talent from across the country. The workshop aims to create opportunities for aspiring filmmakers beyond Dhaka, empowering them with hands-on training in storytelling, cinematography, production, editing, and the application of technology in filmmaking.

Since taking charge at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has faced a steep learning curve. The director has had to learn to navigate the complexities of government bureaucracy and a febrile political climate, where controversies are quick to erupt.

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, has called for merging the culture and tourism ministries to ensure better coordination.

As part of the project, eight selected filmmakers will produce eight medium-length films in collaboration with novice and trained film workers. A search committee, formed last December, selected these filmmakers to conduct workshops and create films in 2025.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced seven priority programmes, including a nationwide talent hunt and a youth festival, to reignite the cultural landscape of Bangladesh.

Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali presented this proposed budget in the National Parliament on Thursday. However, representatives from the cultural sector have expressed dissatisfaction with this allocation, much like in previous years.

Highlighting the universal appeal of Nazrul's poetry, Dr Kamal, who is also a poet, stressed the need to expand translation efforts to present the rich literary heritage of Bengal on the global stage. He urged bringing masterpieces of Bangla literature, including Nazrul's transcendent works, to readers across the world through high-quality translations. This would not only honour the genius of pioneers like the Rebel Poet but also facilitate a wider appreciation and understanding of the region's literary and cultural legacy among international audiences.

To appreciate and honour our cultural diversity, we must oppose extremist forces and implement inclusive policies.

In a remarkable cultural revival, the traditional "Pangkhum" cultural heritage of the Marma community has been brought back to life after a 15-year hiatus with the mesmerising performance of "Maha Janakha." The event took place at the Rening area in the Rajbila Union of Bandarban district, marking a significant moment for the local community.

National Book Centre must do a better job to fulfil its mandate