Cultural Hegemony can Be Resisted Through positive Cultural Initiatives: Dr. Shafiqur Rahman

Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has said that in some respects, they have fallen behind in preserving, nurturing, and developing indigenous culture, which is why “cultural aggression” — foreign or degenerate cultural influence — has taken hold over them. He said this cultural hegemony cannot be resisted through protest or speeches alone; it can only be resisted through positive cultural initiatives. Only then, he said, is it possible to place a nation on a foundation of healthy culture.

He made these remarks yesterday as chief guest at a “Naat-e-Rasul (SAW) and Qawwali Evening” organized by the Deshiyo Sangskritik Sangsad at the National Museum auditorium to mark the occasion of the holy month of Rabi-ul-Awal. At the start of his speech, he announced that the winners of the three groups in the Naat-e-Rasul (SAW) competition would be sent to perform Umrah at the holy Kaaba.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that if one looks at the Prophet’s (SAW) entire life, one will find that cultural activities featured more prominently throughout his life than political activities, because even a beautiful song can kindle the light of faith in a person’s heart and refresh the soul.

At the event, the prize distribution for the Naat-e-Rasul (SAW) competition, along with a Naat and Qawwali evening, was held. Alongside this, a Seerah-book exhibition, a painting and Hadith calligraphy exhibition, and prize distribution for a Hadith calligraphy competition also took place.

Special guests at the event included noted writer and social worker Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand; writer and editor Abul Asad; eminent social worker Nurul Islam Bulbul, MP; Barrister Najibur Rahman, MP; Professor Moktar Ali, MP; Chairman of Kishor Kantha Foundation Nurul Islam Saddam; and other nationally renowned figures. The event was chaired by Saifullah Mansur, President of Deshiyo Sangskritik Sangsad. Popular artists and cultural organizations from across the country performed at this grand event.