Cultural, people-to-people exchanges key to deepen cooperation with Nepal: Minister

Reflecting on the shared linguistic and artistic heritage, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has stressed the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges to further deepen friendship and cooperation between Bangladesh and Nepal.

The Minister commended the Embassy of Nepal and the Friendship Society for their efforts in strengthening the longstanding historical and cultural bonds between Bangladesh and Nepal, UNB reports. 

She made the remarks while speaking at a cultural event as the chief guest held at the district Shilpakala Academy, Manikganj on Saturday evening.

The Embassy, in collaboration with the Bangladesh-Nepal Friendship Society, organised the “Nepal Cultural Evening.

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari highlighted the deep-rooted connections between Bangladesh and Nepal in the fields of art, culture, and language.

He underscored the importance of strong people-to-people contacts as a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

The Ambassador noted that the programme was organised to celebrate and further deepen the close cultural and artistic links between Nepal and Bangladesh.

Deputy Commissioner of Manikganj Nazmun Ara Sultana, Superintendent of Police, Manikganj Mohammad Sarwar Alam, Chancellor of Pokhara Academy Padma Raj Dhakal, district Child Officer of Manikganj Dewan Hafizur Rahman, President of Bangladesh-Nepal Friendship Society Moshiur Ahmed, and General Secretary Salahuddin Kutu also spoke.

The cultural programme featured fourteen artistic performances, including traditional dances, folk songs and musical presentations by visiting artists of Pokhara Academy, artists from the District Shilpakala Academy, and Shishu Academy, Manikganj.

Nepali artists showcased traditional music and dance forms, including Sorathi, Sakhiya, Lathi, Salaijo, and Kaura, among others.

Bangladeshi artists also presented a Nepali dance alongside Bangladeshi folk dances and musical performances.

The programme brought together representatives from government and non-government agencies, cultural enthusiasts, civil society leaders, friends of Nepal, media persons, and Nepali students studying in Manikganj.