InterContinental Dhaka proudly concludes the 10th and final day of its signature initiative “Flavorful Bangladesh”, a spectacular 10-day cultural, food, and art festival held from May 15–24, 2025, in collaboration with HerNet Fine Arts, HerNet Foundation, and prime partner bKash. This vibrant celebration of Bangladesh’s heritage unfolded across the hotel’s elegant spaces with a rich program of regional cuisine, curated art exhibitions, and live performances.
“Flavourful Bangladesh”, launched with a grand press conference, was inaugurated by Mr. Oliver Loreaux, General Manager of InterContinental Dhaka, and Mr. Saadman, Director of Sales, who emphasized the hotel’s deep-rooted commitment to honoring and promoting Bangladesh’s cultural legacy on an international platform.
At the heart of the festival was HerNet Fine Arts, the official cultural curator, led by Chief Curator Alisha Pradhan, who presented an exclusive 10-day art exhibition showcasing works by 40 of Bangladesh’s most acclaimed artists.
The initiative included daily live master painting sessions, enabling visitors to experience the creative process of some of the country’s most iconic figures in real-time.
Featured artists included:
- Monirul Islam
- Farida Zaman
- Dr. Mohammad Iqbal
- Mohammad Eunus
- Ahmed Samsuddoha
- Sheikh Afzal
- Abdus Sattar
- Anisuzzaman Anis
- Priti Ali
- Aloptogin Tushar
- Prof. Azharul Islam
- Sunil Kumar
- Chanchal
- Abdus Shakoor Shah
- Naima Haque
- Rashedul Huda
- Nadvi Huq, among others.
Each evening was brought to life with immersive cultural performances — blending traditional and contemporary music, dance, and storytelling — all in a setting designed to nourish the senses.
The event welcomed an esteemed list of guests, including:
- Guest of Honour H.E. Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of Norway
- H.E. Haris Othman, Ambassador of Brunei
- Mr. Francois, Country Director, Alliance Française
- Prof. Jude, Pro Vice-Chancellor of ULAB University
- Mr. Monir Prodhan, Chairperson, HerNet Fine Arts
- Diplomats from the Russian Embassy
- Various distinguished dignitaries and patrons of the arts
The culinary program, hosted at Elements Global Dining, celebrated iconic dishes from all eight divisions of Bangladesh, alongside inventive fusions like Shatkora Beef Brisket and Chingri Saganaki. A curated buffet of traditional desserts and handcrafted pithas paid homage to the country’s sweet heritage.
As the festival draws to a close, HerNet Fine Arts reaffirms its commitment to fostering Bangladeshi art and artists globally, continuing its mission to bridge Bangladesh with the world through the power of visual storytelling.
Last year, HerNet Fine Arts unveiled a groundbreaking initiative for the Bangladeshi art sector — the country’s largest Art Data Centre, envisioned as a comprehensive encyclopaedia of Bangladeshi art. This pioneering platform will provide 100 selected artists with their own individual websites and detailed digital profiles, a crucial step in establishing a global presence. Beyond digital archiving, the Art Data Centre aims to serve as a strategic bridge between Bangladeshi artists and international art institutions, fostering collaboration, exposure, and global opportunities.
As part of its continued mission, HerNet Fine Arts is also set to host a grand 8-day art exhibition in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, a prestigious event that promises to elevate Bangladeshi artistry to new heights on the international stage.
The organization’s upcoming initiative includes a grand 8-day art exhibition in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, set to further elevate Bangladeshi artistry on an international stage. This remarkable festival would not have been possible without the generous support of prime partner bKash, gift partner Skin Zen & Probashi Helicopter, and the visionary hospitality of InterContinental Dhaka, whose initiative — “Flavourful Bangladesh” — has successfully redefined the fusion of gastronomy, art, and cultural diplomacy in the heart of the capital.
