BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today spoke at a ceremony at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Sept 7, 2025 (BSS) – BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today warned against the growing influence of foreign cultural hegemony in Bangladesh and called for united efforts to protect and promote the nation’s cultural identity. 

“As democracy and sovereignty require political struggle and sacrifice, our culture must also be defended from external domination. We must preserve our own heritage through rigorous practice,” the BNP leader said. 

He was speaking at a ceremony held this afternoon at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to honor legendary singer Sabina Yasmin. 

Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Adviser to the Planning Division Professor Wahid Uddin Mahmud, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Mofidur Rahman, Acting Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Md. Wares Hossain, and BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, among others, were present on the occasion. 

At the event, Sabina Yasmin was honored by Professor Wahid Uddin Mahmud on behalf of the state. The adviser presented her with an uttorio, crest, and memento. 

In his speech, Salahuddin praised the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for organizing the programme and expressed hope that such initiatives would continue in the future. 

“Culture, literature, and poetry transcend borders – they are global. But we must hold firmly to our mother tongue and cultural roots to prevent cultural aggression from overpowering us,” he said. 

He emphasized the importance of engaging with global art and literature to enrich local culture, while asserting the need to safeguard Bangladesh’s own traditions. “We need to explore and practice the best literary works and cultural expressions from around the world, but we must prioritize uplifting and celebrating our own identity first,” he said. 

Calling for unity among people from all sectors to counter cultural domination, Salahuddin added, “There was a time when cultural practice and nationalism were deeply intertwined. We witnessed the dominance of foreign influence not only in politics and democracy but also in culture. That must never return.” 

Salahuddin concluded by wishing Sabina Yasmin continued good health and a long musical journey.