Government working to promote creative economy in the country: Finance Minister

He said this in his speech as chief guest at the closing ceremony held on Thursday marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Shishu Academy.

The finance minister said Bangladesh Shishu Academy is playing an important role in shaping children's future. Children must be raised from an early age to be sensitive to family, nature, the environment, animals, birds and insects. At the same time, he called for starting the practice of equal rights for boys and girls and women's empowerment from the family.

Emphasizing sports, art and cultural practices alongside education, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said nearly 145,000 children participated in Notun Kuri Sports, including more than 45,000 girls. Children must be made skilled in art, music, theatre and sports. He also remarked that soft power is one of the foundations of a country's strength.

Regarding the ‘creative economy’, the finance minister said that through it, along with theatre, art and film, various artisans including weavers, blacksmiths and potters at the grassroots level will be connected to and supported by the national economy. As a result, the path will be opened to creating equal opportunities for every citizen of the country.

He said that even amid global economic adversity, through everyone's collective efforts and patience, it is possible to build a safe future for children and a beautiful Bangladesh.

The event was presided over by Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Dr. Rowshan Ara Begum, and Minister of Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee Selima Rahman, Director General of Bangladesh Shishu Academy Mosammat Arju Ara Begum and others concerned were present. At the end of the event, the finance minister handed prizes to children who won in various competitions.