Asian Islamic cultural capital to be celebrated

DHAKA: ‘Capital of Islamic Culture of the Asian Region for 2012’ will be celebrated in the city through a year-long programme beginning on July 14.

Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Abul Kalam Azad made the disclosure while chairing a meeting at the Jatiya Natyashala of Shilpakala Academy on Thursday to make successful the year-long programme.

Earlier of the year, the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) declared Dhaka as the Asian Islamic cultural capital for having its rich Islamic heritage and culture.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the programme at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the city.

The yearlong programme would be telecast live by Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar projecting the country`s culture and Islamic heritage.

The programmes will include national symposiums on Islamic thinkers, cultural tourism workshop with participation of members in Asian region, exhibition of Dhaka’s best traditional artwork, foods, calligraphy, book fair, open discussion on Islamic heritage and regional training course and drama on Islamic heritage.

A souvenir on Capital of Islamic Culture of Asian Region 2012 would be published by Bangla Academy, Azad informed.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Advocate Promod Mankin, Information Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamun, Education Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Cultural Secretary Suraiya Begum were among others present at the meeting.

BDST: 2145 HRS, JUN 21, 2012
Edited by:
Mohammed Humayun Kabir, Sr Newsroom Editor
M. Mahbub Alam, Asst Output Editor