Girisur Shilpi Goshthi Forms Bandarban District Committee for the First Time, Aims to Promote Cultural Activities

The Girisur Shilpi Goshthi has formed its district committee in Bandarban for the first time, aiming to strengthen activities related to the culture, arts, and livelihoods of the Jumma Indigenous peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.

An inaugural ceremony and discussion meeting marking the formation of the committee were held on the morning of October 9 in the Balaghata area of Bandarban district. Artists from Girisur Shilpi Goshthi presented cultural performances before the discussion session began.

Speaking at the meeting, Sumon Marma, president of the Bandarban District Committee of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), described the formation of the Girisur Shilpi Goshthi’s district committee as a historic development at a time when regressive cultural movements are exerting greater influence than progressive cultural activities.

He also emphasized the need for progressive cultural movements to preserve and develop the national identity, languages, culture, arts, and literature of the Jumma Indigenous peoples. He urged young people to remain vigilant against what he described as efforts by the ruling authorities to undermine Indigenous culture.

Bacchu Chakma, vice president of Girisur Shilpi Goshthi, said the organization was not limited to music and entertainment. Instead, it aimed to undertake activities addressing the broader livelihoods and everyday concerns of the Jumma Indigenous peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Source: Hill Voice