Dhaka: Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari paid a courtesy call on Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury at his secretariat office here today. Deputy Chief of the mission Lalita Silwal accompanied the ambassador during the meeting, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting focused on the deep historical relations and long-standing civilizational connections between the two countries, discussing ways to enhance bilateral cultural cooperation. The discussions emphasized renewing and expanding the scope of the ongoing Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) 2022-2025, as its term is nearing completion.
Ambassador Ghanshyam invited Minister Chowdhury to attend the upcoming “Nepal Festival” as the chief guest. The festival is scheduled for May 15 at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and will be jointly organized by the Embassy of Nepal and the Bangladesh-Nepal Friendship Society. A cultural troupe from Nepal’s Pokhara Academy will perform, and a variety of Nepali cuisine will be showcased.
Minister Chowdhury highlighted the close cultural relations between Bangladesh and Nepal, noting that the exchange of arts, heritage, and literature serves as a bridge between their peoples. He stressed the importance of formulating a modern and time-befitting new CEP, incorporating digital culture, creative industries, and intangible heritage.
The minister also expressed interest in reviving literary cooperation between Bangla Academy and Nepal Academy, as well as translating literary works from both countries. Ambassador Ghanshyam reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to cultural and strategic partnerships with Bangladesh and proposed joint initiatives to promote heritage tourism.
Both parties agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations through regular exchanges of artists, researchers, and cultural representatives, along with organizing joint exhibitions. Senior officials of the ministry and representatives from the Embassy of Nepal were also present at the meeting.