Engage youths in cultural practices to prevent terrorism
Engagement of youths in cultural practices can stop the rise of terrorism, so dance, music, theatre and arts need to be included as subsidiary subjects in schools and colleges, speakers said at a seminar yesterday.
They also urged all to create a social and cultural movement against extremism.
The observations came up at a seminar titled “Role of cultural activists in preventing extremism” at a restaurant in the capital.
The event was organised by Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit.
Parents are not showing any interest in getting their children lessons on cultural activities like dancing or singing as there are no marks in examination for these, said former cultural affairs minister and renowned cultural personality Asaduzzaman Noor, MP.
“I have said at meetings with the education ministry and raised the issue in front of the prime minister to include cultural subjects in the curriculum,” said Noor.
He added that he would continue raising his voice to ensure culture practices of youths.
Noor suggested that CTTC form a combined cell with cultural activists to generate awareness among the masses against extremism.
Theatre, TV and film actor Shahiduzzaman Selim said cultural activists can contribute significantly to preventing extremism.
Selim further suggested airing a compulsory anti-militancy drama every month on television and two-three stage plays every year.
Pralay Kumar Jourder, CTTC unit deputy commissioner, said cultural activists can draw attention to major issues through their gripping performances.
In his concluding remarks, Monirul Islam, chief of CTTC unit, said they are working with people who got involved in terrorism. But it is an ideological issue and cannot be dealt with action alone, he said.
Monirul, also the acting commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, further said they need counselling and awareness to deal with militancy. Families can make the first response to prevent terrorism, he added.
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