Cultural practice in schools will leave no room for extremism: State Minister

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has said that if cultural practice is ensured at the school level, there will be no room for extremism in the country.

She made the remarks at a joint discussion meeting between the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at the ministry's conference room on Sunday, April 19.

The meeting was held to strengthen cultural activities in all educational institutions and implement various cultural competitions as part of fulfilling the current government's election pledges.

State Minister Bobby Hajjaj said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given clear directives to strengthen cultural activities in the education curriculum. In light of these directives, initiatives have been taken to more broadly and effectively incorporate cultural activities into the curriculum that help develop students' creativity, human values and moral consciousness.

The state minister said through participation in various creative activities such as music, drama, debate and painting, students become inspired with positive thinking and develop team spirit, tolerance and human values. This reduces their attraction to extremist thoughts. Thus, cultural practice serves not only as a means of entertainment but also as an effective way to build a healthy, conscious and humane generation.

She further said primary education builds the foundation of students' lives. To make this foundation stronger and richer, plans have been adopted to strengthen cultural activities in the primary education curriculum. To this end, teachers of relevant subjects will be provided with necessary training. Additionally, regular training for students will be arranged through the expert trainer team of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Cultural Affairs State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam was present at the meeting. He said there is no alternative to cultural activities to build a healthy, creative and conscious generation. Integrated initiatives are being taken to further expand and develop cultural practice among students. These activities will be implemented soon to achieve the set goals quickly.

Primary and Mass Education Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mowla, Director General of the Primary Education Directorate Abu Noor Mohammad Shamsuzzaman, and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.