Budget 2025-26: Theatre Artistes Disappointed Over Meager Culture Allocation
The Theatre Artists Association of Dhaka (TAAD) has expressed disappointment over what it considers a low allocation for the cultural sector in the proposed national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year. TAAD President and actor Azad Abul Kalam said that although there has been a slight increase in cultural funding compared to the previous year, it remains inadequate and disheartening. The organisation in a statement emphasised the crucial role of culture in shaping a nation’s identity, history, and future. “Despite repeated calls, the cultural sector continues to be neglected,” the statement read. TAAD pointed out that it had previously reviewed the budget and demanded that at least 1 per cent of the total national budget be allocated to culture.
“Cultural activists across various fields – including theatre, music, painting – have long operated with minimal resources. We strongly believe such an allocation is vital for sustainable financial support, infrastructure development, and research-based cultural practice,” the statement added. Signed by TAAD President Azad Abul Kalam and Secretary General Saif Suman, the statement further urged the government to view culture not as a luxury, but as a fundamental component of nation-building. “We call on the government to ensure proper and effective allocation to the cultural sector so that its growth and development are not hindered,” it said.
Earlier, on April 18, TAAD organised a seminar titled “Budget Review and Proposals in the Cultural Sector” at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The event featured prominent cultural figures including actor Mamunur Rashid, dancer and researcher Lubna Mariam, musicians Sujit Mostofa and Sheikh Jasim, reciter Golam Sarwar, art critic Moinuddin Khaled, photographer KM Jahangir Alam, instrumentalist Ripon Khan, and Dhaka University professor and budget analyst Dr M Abu Yusuf.
