Tech-Driven Folk Culture Promotion: Independence Award Sought for Lokman Hossain Fakir

Speakers have demanded the Independence Award (Swadhinota Padak) for lyric poet and founding president of JASAS, Lokman Hossain Fakir, alongside greater use of technology to promote Bangladesh’s folk culture.

Expressing solidarity with the demand, Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam pledged to do everything possible for the revival of JASAS and for expanding Bangladeshi culture among the current generation.

The commitment came during a discussion meeting and cultural program held on the evening of 16 May at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, marking the 35th death anniversary of the lyricist, who had received numerous honors including the Ekushey Padak.

Remembering his uncle, Mahbub Anam Swapan said

culture ultimately forms the foundation of everything. “We will work to spread folk music across the country. I will do everything to move JASAS forward,” he added.

The event was presided over by actor Helal Khan, president of the national committee of the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS).

While speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Culture Auli Newaz Mahmud Khaiyum said Bangladesh is currently passing through a complex period. He noted that supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), including JASAS activists, had faced repression over the past 20 years. Therefore, he stressed the need to establish a nationalist cultural framework.

Expressing commitment to rebuilding the country’s cultural arena, he further said culture is now one of the most important tools for psychological and social development against the rise of extremism.

He added that liberal democratic values must be expanded beyond formalities and that politics should not be dragged into the cultural sphere as in the past. To address disorder in the sector, he emphasized organizing day-long workshops and modernizing every branch of Bangladesh’s heritage and culture to present them at global standards.

Syed Emran Saleh Prince, administrator of Mymensingh Zila Parishad, BNP Cultural Affairs Adviser Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Uzzal, and BNP Joint Cultural Affairs Secretary Saeed Sohrab were also present among other special guests.

Actor Uzzal urged the minister to promote nationalist culture in the digital world, while Prince recalled the remarkable contributions of the Fakir family during difficult times for the BNP.

Speakers at the event also formally demanded the Independence Award for the late artist.

During the discussion segment, singer Kalyani Ghosh performed songs written by the lyric poet, while another speaker delivered recitations. The cultural program also featured musical performances and choreography.

DBTech/MM/EK/OR