Cultural exchange between Bangladesh and India can be strengthened: Cultural affairs minister

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said that mutual cooperation and exchange programmes between India and Bangladesh can be strengthened in the fields of archaeology, folk culture, creative arts, museums, and library activities.

The minister made the remarks when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a courtesy call on him at his Secretariat office today (9 March).

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam was present at the time. 

During the meeting, the Indian High Commissioner extended sincere congratulations to the minister on his victory in the 13th parliamentary elections.

Recalling the longstanding friendly relations and cultural heritage between Bangladesh and India, the minister expressed his hope for further expanding cultural ties between the two countries.

The minister said that Bangladesh shares a very deep historical and cultural relationship with India. He noted that the people of Bangladesh share many similarities in historical and cultural traditions with the people of this region, particularly with India’s Assam, West Bengal, and Meghalaya.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury also emphasised further expanding cultural exchange programmes, focusing on important aspects like the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, the philosophy and musical tradition of Lalon Shah, the Kuthibari, and the cultural heritage of Hasan Raja.

The Indian High Commissioner, in turn, stressed strengthening cooperation between the two countries in textile art, museum activities, theatre, and archaeological research and conservation.

He specifically mentioned the potential for joint initiatives in the recovery and conservation of archaeological artefacts.

He opined that inclusive engagement and mutual understanding among the youth of both countries could be further strengthened through exchanges like writer’s gatherings of the two Bengals, poetry conferences, and educational and youth culture programmes.

During the meeting, the State Minister for Cultural Affairs stated that the people of Bangladesh and India share the same cultural heritage. He emphasised increasing mutual exchanges of artists and cultural troupes in the fields of music, fine arts, and folk culture, as well as organising joint cultural festivals by the two countries.

Present at the meeting were Md Mofidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs; Ilia Sumana, Joint Secretary and members of the delegation led by the Indian High Commissioner.