Cultural activists discuss ‘paradigm shift’ in Bangladeshi culture at Chattogram roundtable

A roundtable discussion titled Paradigm Shift in Bangladeshi Culture brought together around 50 cultural activists, writers, journalists and filmmakers in Chattogram on Saturday to reflect on the evolving nature of the country's cultural landscape.

The event, organised by cultural platform Failed Camera Stories, was held at Chattogram Club and began at 4pm.

Participants discussed key drivers behind cultural change in Bangladesh, including the rise of digital and social media, shifts in family structures, evolving gender roles, and changes in food habits and lifestyle.

They also examined the growing influence of startups, transformations in cinema and theatre, and the modernisation of traditional festivals, according to a press release.

Filmmaker Saeed Khan Shagor, director of Field Camera Stories, presented the concept paper at the beginning of the programme.

In his paper, he outlined major cultural changes in Bangladesh over the past few decades and highlighted both the opportunities and challenges in creating a more open cultural environment.

Following the presentation, several young participants and cultural workers shared their reflections on the paper. Speakers included Tahasina Rahman, social welfare secretary of Chaksu; Tasnim Mahfuz, a student of the University of Dhaka; Sajjad Hossain Hriday from the University of Chattogram; activist Shahriar Faruk Bhuiya; journalist Ishat Mannan; filmmaker Borhan Uddin; and cultural activists Ankon De Animesh, Shafil Iktidar, Kazi Rakib, Akibul Islam Jishad and Jennifer Akter.

A panel discussion later explored how Bangladesh's cultural identity continues to evolve amid social and political change.

Journalist and environmental activist Shamsuddin Illius said the country's cultural diversity has historically kept its culture dynamic.

"Our lifestyle, political struggles and even cultural development are influenced by time," he said, adding that individuals must assert their own identities to understand the present moment.

Ekushey Padak-winning fiction writer Harishankar Jaladas, who attended as the chief discussant, highlighted the role of language, generational shifts and political change in shaping cultural transformation. Despite these shifts, he urged participants not to lose sight of their Bengali identity.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman attended the event as the chief guest. In his remarks, he said the younger generation has become the primary driver of contemporary society.

"They increasingly see themselves as global citizens beyond national boundaries," he said, noting that their language of art, culture and lifestyle reflects that global outlook.

He added that cultural change is natural and should be embraced. "Culture is like a flowing river, and we must accept its flow," he said.

Other panel speakers included cultural activist and politician Hasan Maruf Rumi, Zubayerul Hasan Arif and musician Kayes Chowdhury.

An iftar gathering was held following the discussion.