Dhaka, Oct. 8 -- Finance Minister Amir Khosru on Thursday said Bangladesh must develop its soft power by nurturing its cultural identity and creative potential.

"Soft power is all these things combined. We have to build it in Bangladesh," he said, referring to arts, music, film, theatre, sports, and other cultural pursuits as essential elements of a nation's identity.

The Finance Minister made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Shishu Academy at its auditorium in the capital.

He said a country's strength is not only measured by the size of its economy, stressing that a distinctive national identity built through culture and creativity is equally important.

He said children sh...