BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince on Monday said the people of Bangladesh must safeguard their culture for the sake of the country’s independence and sovereignty.

“This is because our culture represents our identity and secures the country’s sovereignty,” he said.

“Without democracy, native culture cannot flourish. During the authoritarian rule of the Awami League, foreign and distorted cultures were promoted. I hope that democracy will be restored through the next parliamentary election in the first half of the next year.”

The BNP leader was addressing a programme, organised to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year, in Haluaghat upazila of Mymensingh. He also exchanged greetings with local people as well as BNP leaders and activists on the occasion.  

Mentioning that Pahela Baishakh is an integral part of the national culture, he urged all to be careful that no aspect of culture hurt any religious sentiment.