ISLAMABAD, Oct 17: A 15-member Bangladeshi cultural delegation presented traditional music and dance performances at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Saturday, highlighting the growing cultural engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The event, organised by the National Heritage and Culture Division, brought together artists, diplomats, government officials and members of the public to celebrate Bangladesh’s artistic heritage and promote closer people-to-people relations.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended the programme as chief guest, while Bangladesh High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani, members of the diplomatic corps, senior civil and military officials, students and media representatives were also present.
The nearly two-hour programme featured traditional Bengali music, group dances, solo vocal performances and cultural presentations, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Solo performances were presented by Peal Hassan, Md. Isha Khan Ethun Babu, Mohammad Jamal Uddin Naser and Naznin Chaudhary.
Dance performances featured Farhana Chowdhury, Abdur Rashid Swapan, Mehbooba Mahnoor Chandni and Golam Mostafa, while musicians Raju Ahmed Chowdhury, Md. Rahat Ahmed Hasan, Md. Iqbal Hossain Khondaker and Shourov Saha accompanied the performers on tabla, synthesizer, guitar and octapad, respectively.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said cultural exchanges provided an important opportunity for people from different countries to understand one another and develop greater appreciation for their artistic traditions.
He expressed hope that the visit would encourage more frequent exchanges between Pakistani and Bangladeshi artists, strengthening cultural cooperation and mutual understanding.
The minister said Pakistan valued its cultural engagement with Bangladesh and remained interested in promoting closer contacts between artists and cultural institutions of the two countries.
Bangladesh High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan highlighted the historical and cultural connections between Pakistan and Bangladesh, particularly their shared regional traditions in music and literature.
He thanked the government and people of Pakistan for welcoming the delegation and stressed the importance of cultural initiatives in strengthening bilateral relations.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani appreciated the visiting artists for showcasing Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and said such exchanges offered opportunities for young performers and cultural institutions to learn from one another.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of Bangladeshi officials, diplomatic representatives and PNCA management in organising the programme.
Most members of the visiting delegation were travelling to Pakistan for the first time and expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to them.
During their stay, the artists visited the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Faisal Mosque and other landmarks in Islamabad, gaining an opportunity to explore Pakistan’s cultural and historical heritage.
Bangladeshi Artist’s Exhibition Inaugurated at PNCA
On the sidelines of the cultural programme, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi inaugurated a solo art exhibition by Bangladeshi artist Md. Abdus Sattar at PNCA’s photography gallery.
The exhibition added a visual arts component to the programme, providing visitors with another opportunity to experience Bangladesh’s artistic traditions.
Later, the Bangladesh Embassy hosted a dinner reception in honour of the federal minister, Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani, other ministry officials and members of the visiting cultural delegation.
The reception provided an opportunity for discussions on cultural cooperation, historical connections and the broader relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
During the interaction, the Bangladeshi High Commissioner referred to forthcoming memoranda of understanding expected to be signed between the two countries, indicating prospects for further cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani also suggested that direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh could facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people contacts.
The federal minister welcomed the delegation and expressed hope that the cultural visit would encourage more regular exchanges between artists and institutions in both countries.
As a gesture of goodwill, the minister and the secretary recorded messages in the visitors’ notebook at the dinner reception, reaffirming their support for stronger cultural cooperation and bilateral relations.
The visit underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding and creating opportunities for greater engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh.