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Cultural activists in Bangladesh have expressed disappointment over the proposed national budget allocation for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for the fiscal year 2024-25.
While the Ministry received Tk 779 crore, an increase of Tk 80 crore from the previous year, activists say the allocation is insufficient for the proper development of the cultural sector.
The Bangladeshi Ministry of Cultural Affairs received a revised budget of Tk 764 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24. In the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-25, the Ministry's allocation constitutes only 0.0977 per cent of the total national budget. Of the Ministry's total allocation, Tk 455 crore is designated for operating expenses, while Tk 324 crore is dedicated to development programs.
"We are not saying that the government's plans are unnecessary," said Ghulam Quddus, president of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote. "However, the plans we have proposed are not being taken into account."
Quddus pointed out the lack of basic infrastructure like permanent auditoriums, open stages, and training facilities in upazilas, hindering cultural growth. "Unfortunately, we don't see any reflection of these needs in the announced budget," he added.
Sharing similar concerns, Amit Ranjan Dey, general secretary of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, said, "The poor allocation for the cultural sector shows that the sector is being neglected by the government."
Dey argued that a portion of the allocated budget often goes unused due to poor planning and a lack of efficient manpower. He emphasized the need for increased allocation and proper utilization of funds.
Amal Akash, artist and singer from Samageet Sangskriti Prangan, echoed the transparency in spending the allocated funds. "On the one hand, the allocation is not adequate, and on the other hand, there are questions regarding how the money is spent," Akash said, alleging misuse of funds due to a lack of monitoring.
Kazi Roksana Ruma, CEO of theatre troupe BotTala, expressed her disappointment, stating, "The allocation shows how much the government gives importance to the cultural sector."
Ruma stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a thriving cultural sector. She highlighted the neglected state of theatre, where practitioners are forced to rely on volunteer work and lack proper funding.
"A large portion of the total allocation for the cultural sector will be spent to meet operating expenditure," Ruma said, questioning the adequacy of Tk 324 crore allocated for development programs.
