Based, Panchagarh Correspondent:

Panchagarh’s newly appointed Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman has emphasized the urgent need to revive the district’s lost cultural heritage and pass it on to the younger generation. He said Panchagarh known as the “daughter of the Himalayas” on the map of Bangladesh possesses rich traditions that are gradually fading in the wave of modernity.

Speaking at an exchange meeting with poets, writers, and cultural activists on Wednesday afternoon in the District Commissioner’s conference room, the DC expressed deep concern about the influence of Western culture on today’s youth. “The traditional elements of Bengali culture are disappearing. Taking advantage of this gap, Western culture is overtaking our children, teenagers, and youth. As a result, our practice of fair and healthy culture is diminishing day by day,” he remarked.

He further said that when children and teenagers engage in sports and healthy cultural practices, they are far less likely to become involved in drugs, vagrancy, or destructive teen gangs. “In this context, poets, writers, and cultural workers of Uttaron must play a special role,” he added.

The meeting was moderated by Additional Deputy Commissioner (NDC) Subir Saha. At the beginning of the program, the new DC declined the customary floral reception and instead chose to greet the guests personally. “I am a poet and writer myself, and some of my works have already been published. That is why I feel a special connection with you. I want to work together with you to revive the fading cultural traditions of Panchagarh,” he said.

DC Sayemuzzaman invited open discussion and welcomed suggestions on what kind of Deputy Commissioner the people of Panchagarh want him to be. “Please share your honest opinions. I want to work transparently with all of you,” he urged.

During the discussion, several cultural activists, poets, and writers shared their views, including poet and journalist Abdur Rahim, media personality Shahidul Islam, Rangpur Divisional Writers Council Panchagarh District Branch President Lecturer Md. Hafiz Uddin, and playwright-writer Haider Ali.