State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam has called for greater cultural engagement of children and young people, saying cultural practices alongside education can help develop a creative and humane generation.

“We must bring our children back through healthy cultural practices. Alongside their studies, they need opportunities for cultural development,” he said.

The state minister made the remarks as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a three-day fine arts exhibition, workshop and painting competition at the Habiganj District Shilpakala Academy at around 12:30pm on Saturday.

Khaiyam said art and culture were not merely sources of entertainment but were also linked to the national economy.

“There is a good market for artworks by painters. Along with developing skills in different areas of art and culture, we need to look at these sectors as part of the creative economy,” he said.

He said people engaged seriously in artistic pursuits could develop a stronger sense of creativity and humanity.

The state minister also spoke about his experience during his visit to Habiganj, saying he would not have realised the extent of artistic talent among the district’s young people without seeing their work firsthand.

Referring to an artwork by Ekushey Padak-winning artist Mansur Ul Karim displayed at his residence, Khaiyam said he often observed its colours and composition to appreciate the beauty and creativity of art.

He said artworks by Bangladeshi artists had considerable commercial value and that some pieces could be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of taka.

Referring to a large artwork covering thousands of square feet that he had seen at a residence in Dhaka, he said such examples demonstrated the economic potential of the creative sector.

Khaiyam praised Habiganj’s cultural environment, saying young people in the district were involved in singing, dancing, recitation and painting.

He said such positive and creative activities should be expanded to give the younger generation more opportunities to develop their talents.

The state minister also said cultural activities would be expanded across all nine upazilas of Habiganj and assured support for improving cultural infrastructure and related institutions in the district.

He said initiatives were being taken to keep cultural activities going throughout the year across the country.

“Cultural festivals will be organised in different parts of the country next winter, showcasing the traditional culture and heritage of rural Bangladesh,” he said.

Earlier, Khaiyam inaugurated an art camp titled ‘Habiganj’s Nature and Tourism through Colours’.

After formally opening the camp by cutting a ribbon and releasing balloons, he picked up a paintbrush and painted on a canvas himself.

He later visited the exhibition gallery of the Shilpakala Academy and viewed artworks and photographs by students and emerging artists.

A total of 24 artists participated in the art camp as part of the three-day programme.

Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Dr GM Sarfaraz presided over the closing ceremony.

Additional Superintendent of Police Prabhas Kumar Singh, former principal of Habiganj Government Women’s College, writer and researcher Jahanara Begum, Habiganj district JASAS president Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, and senior artist Abhijit Chowdhury of the Daily Ittefaq also spoke at the event.

District Cultural Officer Asit Baran Das Gupta delivered the welcome address.

According to the organisers, 700 artworks were submitted for the painting section, of which 430 were selected for exhibition. A total of 25 artists were awarded prizes in the category.

In the photography section, 87 photographs were submitted, with 15 selected for exhibition. Five photographers received prizes.

Habiganj Pourashava Administrator Moinul Haque, district BNP joint convenor Haji Enamul Haque and District Sahitya Parishad president Tahmina Begum Gini were also present, along with people from different professions.

The state minister later handed over prizes to the winners and toured the exhibition featuring artworks by artists and students.

The three-day event concluded in a festive atmosphere, with established and emerging artists, students and art enthusiasts taking part.