ISLAMABAD: Melodies, graceful dance movements and the shared rhythms of South Asian heritage brought Pakistan and Bangladesh closer in Islamabad on Saturday, as a 15-member Bangladeshi cultural troupe captivated audiences with vibrant performances celebrating the two countries’ enduring cultural connections.
Held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), the nearly two-hour programme showcased Bangladesh’s rich artistic traditions through solo singing, group songs and colourful dance performances, highlighting how culture can bridge differences, deepen mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended the event as chief guest, alongside Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani, members of the diplomatic corps, senior civil and military officials, journalists, students and community representatives from both countries.
Cultural exchanges bring people closer
Welcoming the visiting artists, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said cultural exchanges offered a meaningful opportunity for people to understand one another, appreciate diverse artistic traditions and promote mutual respect.
He expressed hope that the delegation’s visit would encourage artists from Pakistan and Bangladesh to travel to each other’s countries, exchange creative experiences and develop stronger cultural and people-to-people connections.
The minister said his ministry was keen to welcome the Bangladeshi troupe and meet the high commissioner, underscoring the importance of cultural engagement in strengthening bilateral relations.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani also welcomed the delegation and praised the artists for showcasing Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.
He said such exchanges created opportunities for artists and cultural institutions to share experiences, inspire young performers and preserve traditional artistic practices. He also acknowledged the contributions of Bangladeshi counterparts, diplomatic representatives, PNCA management and technical teams in organising the programme.
Bengali music and dance win audience applause
The packed auditorium responded enthusiastically to a diverse programme featuring solo vocal performances, group songs and traditional dance presentations.
Solo singers included 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. The performers were accompanied by Raju Ahmed Chowdhury on tabla, Md. Rahat Ahmed Hasan on synthesiser, Md. Iqbal Hossain Khondaker on guitar and Shourov Saha on octapad.
Most members of the delegation were visiting Pakistan for the first time and expressed happiness at experiencing the country’s hospitality and cultural environment.
Bangladesh high commissioner highlights shared heritage
Bangladesh High Commissioner Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan highlighted the historical and cultural connections between the two countries, reflected in their music, literature and shared regional traditions.
He thanked the government and people of Pakistan for warmly welcoming the visiting artists, emphasising that cultural initiatives played an important role in strengthening relations between the two peoples.
During their stay, the delegation visited the Department of Archaeology and Museums and Faisal Mosque, along with other locations in Islamabad. The artists expressed admiration for the capital’s beauty and cultural landmarks, gaining further exposure to Pakistan’s heritage.
Art exhibition adds to cultural celebration
The programme also featured the inauguration of a solo art exhibition by acclaimed Bangladeshi artist Md. Abdus Sattar at PNCA’s photography gallery. The exhibition added a visual dimension to the celebration of Bangladesh’s artistic traditions.
Later, the Embassy of Bangladesh hosted a dinner reception in honour of Minister Khichi, Secretary Gillani, other ministry officials and the visiting troupe.
The reception provided an opportunity to discuss the longstanding historical and cultural links between the two countries and the positive momentum in their bilateral relations.
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The high commissioner highlighted forthcoming memoranda of understanding expected to be signed between Pakistan and Bangladesh, signalling opportunities to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
During the interaction, Minister Khichi welcomed the delegation and expressed hope that the visit would pave the way for more frequent exchanges between artists and cultural institutions.
Secretary Gillani suggested that direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh could facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people contacts.
As a gesture of goodwill, the minister and secretary also recorded messages in the visitors’ notebook at the reception, reaffirming their friendship with Bangladesh and commitment to closer cultural cooperation.
