Digital Database of Artists to Be Created to Promote Healthy Culture: Shilpakala DG

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has taken an initiative to create a comprehensive digital database of artists, writers and poets across the country to promote a healthy cultural environment, said its Director General Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (Rezauddin Stalin).

He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon while exchanging views with cultural activists, organizers, writers, poets and litterateurs at the Rajshahi Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

The DG said the database would enable the authorities in Dhaka to access information about artists and their works from any part of the country.

Highlighting the need to strengthen cultural activities, he said promoting healthy culture is essential to counter the spread of unhealthy cultural practices, particularly in rural areas. Initiatives are being taken to modernize Jatra Pala in the style of opera and present drama and puppetry in new forms, he added.

Ahmed said cultural agreements with 42 countries would create opportunities for Bangladeshi artists to participate in international cultural programs.

He said the Academy has a total budget of Tk 104 crore, of which Tk 72 crore is spent on salaries, leaving limited funds for major allocations at the district level. Despite the financial constraints, steps have been taken to properly recognize eminent artists, he added.

The DG said Shilpakala awards and honors would be given this year to deserving artists and cultural personalities in every district after a two-year hiatus. The process has already begun in Naogaon, while a committee will soon be formed in Rajshahi to select recipients.

On institutional reform, he said laws and regulations were being amended to strengthen the Academy's administrative structure by appointing deputy directors at the district level and directors at the divisional level.

He also assured that necessary funds would be allocated to renovate the Rajshahi Shilpakala Academy auditorium and take effective measures to control termite infestation.

"I basically feel comfortable introducing myself as a poet," he said. At the end of the program, he recited one of his own poems.

District Cultural Officer Farukur Rahman Faisal, dance director Hasib Panna, and other cultural activists, organizers, writers, poets and litterateurs attended the event.