'This Bangladesh is Faraaz's Bangladesh'

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor yesterday said the people of Bangladesh rejected terrorism and that this Bangladesh is Faraaz's Bangladesh.

“In the country, there are many families and parents who refused to accept the bodies of militants. This Bangladesh is Faraaz's Bangladesh ... Faraaz who did not desert his friends and sacrificed his life there [at Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan],” he said at a programme in Chittagong.

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Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain was brutally killed along with 19 other hostages in a militant attack at the café on July 1.

“But at the same time, we have to think that some people, some forces living amidst us are giving birth to militants skilfully...” the minister said at the programme organised to mark the silver jubilee of Proma Recitation Organisation in the port city.

The best way to prevent militant ideals was to increase cultural activities, he said, adding that terrorism and communalism should be eradicated from the society through cultural activities.

Premier University Vice-Chancellor Anupam Sen, Daily Azadi Editor MA Malek and Proma President Rashed Hasan, among others, spoke at the programme.