Published: 01:35 AM, 15 September 2026
Cultural Shows, Research Seminars, Business Conferences Should Be Decentralized
Sanjana Bilkis Noor
Bangladesh has long been highly centralized in its economic, cultural and intellectual activities. Dhaka remains the country’s main center for major cultural shows, research seminars, business conferences, exhibitions and professional gatherings. While the capital naturally has important advantages, the excessive concentration of national events in Dhaka is creating an imbalance that deserves serious attention.
Cultural programs, academic seminars and business conferences should not be limited mainly to the capital. They should be decentralized and regularly organized in major cities and regional centers across Bangladesh. Such a policy would help develop local talent, strengthen regional economies and create greater opportunities for people outside Dhaka.
Bangladesh has a rich cultural heritage that varies from one region to another. From the folk traditions of Rangpur and Rajshahi to the music and cultural heritage of Sylhet, Chattogram and Khulna, every region has its own identity. Yet many national-level cultural programs are still concentrated in Dhaka. As a result, artists from outside the capital often have fewer opportunities to perform before larger audiences and gain national recognition.
Decentralizing cultural shows could change this situation. Major music festivals, theater performances, art exhibitions, film festivals and literary events could be organized in different cities on a rotating basis. Regional artists would have greater opportunities to participate, while local audiences would be able to experience diverse forms of culture without traveling to Dhaka.
Research seminars and academic conferences also deserve greater geographical diversity. Bangladesh has numerous universities and research institutions outside the capital. Institutions in Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barishal and Rangpur can host national and international seminars on agriculture, climate change, technology, public health, economics, education and other important subjects.
Such decentralization would encourage universities outside Dhaka to strengthen their research capacity. It would also allow students and young researchers in those areas to interact directly with established scholars, policymakers and industry experts. Instead of forcing academic knowledge and professional networks to flow primarily toward Dhaka, the country could create multiple centers of intellectual activity.
Business conferences should follow the same approach. Bangladesh’s economic potential is not confined to Dhaka. Chattogram is a major port and industrial center, while Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Rangpur, Mymensingh and other regions have their own economic strengths and investment opportunities.
Holding business conferences in different regions could help investors better understand local industries and markets. A conference on agro-processing, for example, would be more meaningful if held in an agricultural region. Similarly, a discussion on port logistics and international trade could be organized in Chattogram, while tourism-related investment conferences could be held in areas with significant tourism potential.
Decentralization would also bring economic benefits to host cities. Hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, event-management companies and small businesses would gain from increased activity. Visitors attending conferences and cultural events would spend money locally, creating employment and supporting regional businesses.
There are, however, challenges. Some regional cities may lack adequate conference facilities, transportation connections, hotels and other infrastructure. These shortcomings should not be used as an argument against decentralization. Instead, they should be treated as reasons to invest in regional infrastructure. Government agencies, universities, chambers of commerce and cultural organizations can work together to create a national calendar of decentralized events. Public institutions could provide venues and logistical support, while private organizations could contribute sponsorship and expertise.
Technology can further support this transition. Major events held outside Dhaka can be livestreamed, allowing people across Bangladesh and abroad to participate. Hybrid conferences can connect regional participants with international experts without requiring everyone to travel.
Bangladesh does not need one cultural capital, one research center or one business hub. It needs a network of strong regional centers that complement Dhaka rather than compete with it.
Decentralizing cultural shows, research seminars and business conferences would make national life more inclusive and balanced. It would give talented people outside the capital greater visibility, strengthen regional economies and encourage investment in cities across the country. The time has come to move beyond the Dhaka-centric model. If Bangladesh wants balanced development, its ideas, opportunities and national events must travel beyond the capital.
Sanjana Bilkis Noor studies
Business Administration in
Southeast University, Dhaka.
