Diplomatic Desk:
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mr. Dinesh Trivedi paid a courtesy call on Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury at the office of the Minister for Cultural Affairs on Sunday (6 September 2026) morning. The meeting, which lasted for about an hour, was held in a cordial atmosphere and detailed discussions were held on the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, the celebration of Nazrul Barsho, the exchange of artists and researchers, classical music, folk culture, development of young talents and joint initiatives to preserve maritime cultural heritage.
State Minister for Culture Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam and Secretary Ms. Yasmin Begum were present at the time.
The Minister for Cultural Affairs said that the relationship between Bangladesh and India is not just a relationship of neighboring countries, but a relationship of souls. The deep bond that exists between the language, literature, music, folk traditions and human values of the people of the two countries is the strongest foundation of bilateral relations. He said, “The true identity of a nation is its culture. Culture does not divide people, but unites them.”
The minister further said that the works of legendary artists of the subcontinent, Mohammad Rafi, Hemant Mukherjee, Alka Yagnik and Pandit Ravi Shankar have resonated equally in the hearts of crores of people of both countries. Their creative contributions prove that art and culture transcend borders and speak to the hearts of people.
He formally invited renowned Nazrul researchers, artists and cultural experts from India to participate in various national and international events organized in Bangladesh on the occasion of the ongoing Nazrul Barsha. At the same time, he mentioned Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Lalon Shah and Bengali folk music as one of the foundations of the common cultural heritage of the two countries.
The minister said that in the current world, cultural awakening is the most effective prevention against religious extremism, intolerance and communal division. Joint efforts of Bangladesh and India are needed to strengthen the practice of human values and harmony through literature, music, drama and folk culture.
During the meeting, the State Minister for Culture proposed to establish a classical music network between the two countries. He proposed to invite two classical artists from India to organize workshops in Bangladesh at the initial stage. He also called for adopting a new action plan by renewing the Bangladesh-India Cultural Cooperation Agreement.
Indian High Commissioner Mr. Dinesh Trivedi said, “The relationship between Bangladesh and India is a relationship of souls. We have deep similarities in many areas of food habits, language, history, tradition and culture.” He referred to Bangladesh as a country of communal harmony, music and rich cultural heritage.
He assured all-round cooperation in organizing international standard programs on a larger scale in Churulia, the birthplace of Kazi Nazrul Islam, and expressed his desire to be personally present at the event. He also emphasized on holding regular joint events between the cultural institutions of West Bengal and Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner further said that if joint training, residency programs and cultural exchange programs are launched for the young talents of the two countries, mutual understanding between the future generations will be further strengthened. He also expressed the view that there is ample opportunity for Bangladesh and India to undertake joint research and cultural initiatives focusing on the Conservation of Maritime Culture or maritime cultural heritage in the Bay of Bengal.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Deputy High Commissioner of the Indian High Commission and Director of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Center were present during the meeting.
At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed their determination to elevate Bangladesh-India cultural relations to new heights based on mutual respect, harmony and common cultural heritage.
