Advisor to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, stated that the people of Bangladesh successfully thwarted the plot by exiled goverment and their allies to attack temples and create unrest.
He made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony of a month-long Handicraft Fair and Folk Festival organized by the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation in Narayanganj's Sonargaon upazila on Saturday.
Farooki highlighted the resilience of the nation's citizens in preserving communal harmony. He remarked, "Following the events of August 5, an unusual situation arose across the country as there was no visible presence of law enforcement for 15 to 20 days. During this time, Muslims stepped forward to protect Hindu temples and communities came together to guard their neighborhoods. This collective spirit thwarted the motive to destroy the communal harmony and embodied the true essence of Bangladesh."
Discussing cultural preservation, Farooki emphasized that the government is committed to safeguarding the nation's religious and cultural diversity. He elaborated on plans to support artisans by ensuring year-round exhibition and marketing opportunities for their products. Farooki also underscored the significance of Panam Nagar, describing it as a potential international heritage project. He outlined plans to renovate the dilapidated structures, conserve them, and transform the site into a heritage museum open to visitors.
The advisor acknowledged the occasional challenges faced in maintaining harmony but assured that collaborative efforts involving law enforcement and local communities would resolve such issues. He reaffirmed the government's dedication to promoting Bangladesh's cultural diversity and extending cultural festivals across the nation.
The event was presided over by Kazi Mahbubul Alam, Director of the Folk and Crafts Foundation, and was attended by key officials, including Cultural Affairs Secretary Md. Mofidul Rahman, Joint Secretary Helal Uddin, Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Zahidul Islam Miah, Superintendent of Police Pratyush Kumar Majumdar, and Sonargaon Upazila Executive Officer Farzana Rahman. Deputy Director A.K.M. Azad Sarkar delivered the welcome address.
The inauguration drew participation from political leaders, educators, students, and a diverse group of visitors, showcasing a collective effort to uphold and celebrate the cultural heritage of Bangladesh.
