Dhaka: Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider today met Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury at the minister’s office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom was present at the meeting, said an official handout.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest between the two countries, particularly enhancing cooperation in cultural exchange and preservation of heritage. Nitai Roy highlighted that culture is a crucial means of building bridges among people of different countries, emphasizing the importance of exchanging artists, singers, instrumentalists, and folk and handicrafts.
He welcomed Pakistan’s proposal for specialised training in the preservation and restoration of antiquities, adding that regular exchange programmes of classical and folk music artists would enrich the cultural arena of both countries. The Pakistan high commissioner noted the significance of organising joint exhibitions involving artists and craftsmen from both nations.
Both sides agreed to further streamline bilateral relations under the ‘Cultural Cooperation Agreement of 1979’ and the ‘Cultural Exchange Programme 2025-2026’. State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom stressed the need to increase cultural exchanges between Bangladesh and Pakistan, noting that such exchanges would further deepen bilateral relations.
During the meeting, they also discussed expanding scholarship and fellowship opportunities for students of both countries to promote education and research. Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula, senior officials of the ministry, and members of the Pakistan High Commission delegation were present at the meeting.