Photo: Collected
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has remarked that the most powerful weapon in the world is peace.
Describing arts and culture as one of the most powerful vehicles of peace, he said sustainable development and a beautiful society can be established in the world through investment in peace.
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the ‘Glamour Excellence Award-2026’ event organised by Lal Sabuj Cultural Academy on the occasion of World Peace Day 2026 at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital on Friday.
The local government minister said he is a student of nuclear physics and has studied nuclear weapons. Although the nuclear bomb is considered one of the most powerful weapons in the history of the world, he believes the most powerful weapon in the world is peace.
He said arts and culture have no geographical boundaries. Even if the language is not understood, various forms of art including music, painting and dance can build a bridge of communication, harmony and mutual understanding among people. Arts and culture can therefore play an important role in establishing world peace.
Recalling Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, he said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was deeply fond of arts and culture. He used to invite artistes of various folk songs of rural Bengal, including bhatiali and baul, to the premises of Shilpakala Academy and listen to their songs.
Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said that later, while in charge of the then planning ministry, he had the opportunity, with the cooperation of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, to arrange a grant of Tk 8 crore for the construction of Shilpakala Academy’s auditorium and necessary infrastructure. At this time he paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia.
The minister said World Peace Day is observed on 21 September every year at the initiative of the United Nations. Work must be done for peace not only on Peace Day but on every day of the year. Through investment in peace, it is possible to create a way out of the conflicts, unrest and wars in different parts of the world.
He further said that by establishing a culture of peace and harmony in Bangladesh, it is possible to set an example of building a beautiful and balanced society in the world. For this, everyone must come forward in the practice and spread of arts and culture.
According to the minister, our beloved prime minister has proved that he does not believe in the politics of vengeance; rather, he wants to build a balanced social system in Bangladesh with the coordination of all.
Artistes and cultural activists as well as distinguished persons from various classes and professions were present at the event.
