Desk Report:
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Prannoy Verma called on Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury at the Secretariat on Monday (March 9, 2026). State Minister Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam was present at the time.
During the meeting, the Indian High Commissioner sincerely congratulated the Minister for his victory in the 13th National Parliament elections. Recalling the long-standing friendly relations and cultural traditions between Bangladesh and India, he expressed his hope to further expand cultural contacts between the two countries.
The Minister said that mutual cooperation and exchange programs between the two countries can be strengthened in archaeology, folk culture, creative arts, museum and library activities. He emphasized on further expanding cultural exchange activities by keeping in mind important issues such as the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, Lalon Shah’s philosophy and music, Kuthibari and the cultural heritage of Hasan Raja in mind. At the same time, he expressed his hope to further strengthen bilateral relations and cultural diplomacy between Bangladesh and India.
The Minister also said that the historical and cultural heritage of the people of Bangladesh has many similarities with the people of Assam, West Bengal and Meghalaya in India. He mentioned that both countries carry a rich heritage as the bearers of ancient civilizations.
The Indian High Commissioner emphasized on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in textile art, museum activities, theater and archaeological research and conservation. He especially mentioned the possibility of taking joint initiatives in the restoration and conservation of archaeological artifacts. In addition, discussions were held on increasing mutual cooperation in preserving the places and heritage associated with the memories of important cultural figures (Cultural Icons) in the history of the two countries.
He believes that it is possible to further strengthen inclusive engagement and mutual understanding between the youth of the two countries through the exchange of writers’ meetings, poetry conferences, and educational and youth cultural activities of the two Bengalis.
During the meeting, the State Minister for Cultural Affairs said that the people of Bangladesh and India share the same cultural heritage. He emphasized on increasing mutual exchange between artists and cultural groups in the field of music, art and folk culture and organizing cultural festivals jointly by the two countries.
Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md. Mofidur Rahman, Joint Secretary Ilia Sumana and members of the delegation of the Indian High Commissioner were present during the meeting.
