BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said the party would establish a separate government authority for plains indigenous communities if it forms the next government through people’s mandate.
He highlighted that the language, culture and lifestyle of small ethnic groups have enriched and diversified Bangladeshi culture. “BNP embraces Bangladeshi culture and will work to practise, nurture and expand it,” he told a views exchange meeting with cultural activists, organisers, lyricists, musicians, poets and writers at the Small Ethnic Group Cultural Academy in Rangrapara, Haluaghat, on Saturday morning.
On arrival, newly appointed academy director Engineer Proloy Snal welcomed Emran Saleh Prince, while young performers greeted him with traditional dances.
After the meeting, artists staged a cultural programme, and the BNP leader visited the academy buildings.
In the afternoon, he joined another views exchange meeting with members of the Garo community at Azkipara Francis JBR Church in Bhubankura union, urging them to support BNP’s electoral symbol, the paddy sheaf. He pledged that BNP would build a “divers nation”—an inclusive and positive state for all, irrespective of religion, caste or ethnicity.
Prince described the academy as a potential hub for cultural awakening of indigenous communities. He expressed frustration that, despite its establishment in 2019, the academy still lacks manpower and resources for full operations.
He welcomed the appointment of a director by the interim government and thanked cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki for the initiative. He assured full cooperation to keep the academy functional.
Prince said BNP would modernise and expand the academy into a complete institution and set up museums and exhibition centres for the Garo and Hajong communities in Haluaghat and Dobaura.
He also proposed a safari park that preserves biodiversity and the lifestyle of the Garo and Hajong people.
He advised the new director to run the academy in coordination with indigenous cultural organisers.
Activists proposed turning the academy into the focal point of cultural activities and requested the organisation of the Wangala festival. They thanked Prince for taking steps to activate the academy.
