Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism,
Chairman, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, 
Chairman, Shanto Mariam Foundation,
Smt. Amala Shankar, 
Distinguished Speakers, Guests, 
Ladies & Gentlemen,

It is indeed an honour and great privilege for me to be here today amidst this distinguished gathering for inauguration of Graduate and Post Graduate course in Dance in Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology.

At the outset, I would like to congratulate the authorities of Shanto-Mariam University for starting this new Graduate and Post Graduate course in dance encompassing different genres, including classical & folk dance. While there are a number of schools and institutions imparting training in dance and music, today’s event is unique in itself since it the first time that such a ‘degree’ course, with due recognition from Government, is being started in Bangladesh. I am confident that this programme would play a pioneering role in the region for spread of teaching of music and dance, and contribute to creation of favourable environment for preservation of our cultural tradition and practices. There is no doubt that initiatives such as this taken by Shanto-Marian University would provide new boost to our efforts to preserve our cultural heritage.

Music and dance know no borders. Exchanges in various forms of art literature, music and dance are only means for building mutual trust and confidence between the people of the region. As we march towards prosperity, shared history and heritage between the people of the region would form another basis of enhancing cultural connectivity between countries of the region, including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. 

The presence here today of Smt. Amala Shankar is reflective of the strong bonds of friendship that exists between India and Bangladesh based upon common culture and heritage. India remains steadfast in its determination to widen the scope of cooperation between the two countries, and create new opportunities for enhancing people-to-people contact. 

I am happy to know that many of the teachers who are associated with this programme, have undertaken formal training in India including through scholarship programmes offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). 

I wish Shanto-Mariam University, its teachers and students, all success for the new programme.

I would like to once again thank the organisers for inviting me today and giving me the opportunity to speak in this august gathering. 

Thank you.