Govt working to expand creative economy in country: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated on Thursday that the government is actively working to expand the creative economy alongside nurturing intellectual, creative, and cultural development among children.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Shishu Academy at its premises in Dhaka.
Describing Bangladesh Shishu Academy as a pivotal institution that charts the future trajectory for the nation's youth, the Finance Minister emphasized the importance of instilling human values and empathy toward family, nature, environment, and wildlife from an early age.
Highlighting gender equality and women's empowerment, Minister Amir Khasru urged parents to ensure equal opportunities and inheritance rights for sons and daughters without discrimination, citing his own family practices as an example. He also underscored the significance of sports, art, music, and theater alongside formal education, pointing out that over 1.45 lakh youths—including more than 45,000 girls—participated in the nationwide "Notun Kuri Sports" initiative.
Outlining economic plans, the Finance Minister announced that the Ministry of Finance is introducing a "Creative Economy" framework to support national theater, art, and film.
Chaired by Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Secretary Dr. Rowshan Ara Begum, the event was attended by Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof. Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid as special guest. Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Selima Rahman and Bangladesh Shishu Academy Director General Mst. Arju Ara Begum were also present. The ceremony concluded with the Finance Minister distributing prizes to winning child participants.
