Advisor on Cultural Affairs Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui said, “The July mass uprising in Bangladesh has transformed our socio-cultural diversity into strength.” He noted that the long-standing cultural divide that has been used politically has scarred society. The interim government is committed to addressing these identified divisions and is working to build an inclusive cultural environment.
He said this at the opening ceremony of the three-day World Cultural Policy Forum (MONDIACULT 2025) in Barcelona, Spain.
He cited as an example the recently organized Ananda Shobhajatra where all ethnic groups were included in the New Year celebration—something that has not happened in the last 54 years. He also said that the government is following a neutral cultural policy around religious festivals. The initiative of the Ministry of Culture focusing on Durga Puja, Eid and Buddha Purnima this year is proof of this.
Farooqui also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in innovative financing of culture. He called on the global community to use digital media and OTT platforms to promote cultural content.
The forum began on Monday with the inauguration of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Bangladesh is represented by Cultural Affairs Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui at this event organized with the participation of more than a hundred cultural ministers and policymakers from around the world.
The cultural ministers of Finland, Paraguay, Malta and Poland praised Bangladesh’s vision.
It is worth noting that this largest gathering of cultural policymakers in the world will conclude with a joint declaration on October 1, 2025.
