He said this while speaking as chief guest at an international seminar titled “International Seminar on Community Based Safeguarding and Knowledge Exchange for Cultural Heritage” held at the Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of the National Museum in Shahbagh, Dhaka on Saturday (October 24). The minister said that folk festivals, boat races and folk music strengthen social bonds among people. It is very important to connect the young generation with the country's culture to keep them away from drugs and other negative activities, and the active role of women in the development of society and culture is extremely necessary.

The seminar was presided over by Director General of Bangladesh National Museum Tanjim Ibne Wahab, and others who spoke included Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Yasmin Begum and a representative of UNESCO. After the discussion, the minister enjoyed performances by the Hajong and Manipuri communities.