ISLAMABAD: A 15-member cultural delegation from Bangladesh arrived in Pakistan on Friday for a four-day visit after a gap of 30 years, marking a significant step towards strengthening cultural relations, reviving artistic exchanges and bringing the people of the two countries closer through music, performing arts and shared heritage.
Led by Md. Mizanur Rahman, Joint Secretary at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the delegation was received at Islamabad International Airport on October 16 by Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Director General Muhammad Ayoub Jamali and senior officials of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division.
#Bangladesh Cultural Delegation Arrives in Islamabad for Four-Day Visit to Revive Cultural Ties with Pakistan After 30 Years https://t.co/o9UrlqQsm7
— Khawaja Hamzaa (@khawajahamzaiq3) October 16, 2026
The visit, arranged at the invitation of the Government of Pakistan, aims to promote cultural diplomacy, encourage artistic cooperation and create opportunities for sustained engagement between Pakistani and Bangladeshi artists, performers and cultural institutions.
Cultural performances to highlight shared heritage
During their four-day stay, the visiting artists will participate in cultural performances and exchange activities scheduled for October 17 and 18 at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and Lok Virsa in Islamabad.
The programmes will provide a platform for artists from both countries to showcase their cultural traditions, exchange creative experiences and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
A 15-member cultural troupe from Bangladesh, comprising musicians, dance & vocal artists and representatives of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangladesh reached Islamabad.
Md. Abdus Satter, a famous Bangladeshi painter and printmaker, is also part of the cultural troupe. During the visit, the artists will present Bangladeshi culture through their performances at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and Lok Virsa.The visit has been arranged in line with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to promote cultural exchanges between the two brotherly countries. In this regard, a Cultural Exchange Programme was signed when Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar visited Bangladesh last year.
— Pakistan High Commission Bangladesh (@PakinBangladesh) October 16, 2026
The Bangladeshi delegation comprises senior officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, including an additional secretary and a deputy secretary, alongside musicians, performing artists, cultural practitioners and other representatives of the country’s artistic community.
The exchange is expected to encourage dialogue between cultural institutions, strengthen professional links among artists and open new avenues for joint performances and other collaborative initiatives.
Culture as a bridge between Pakistan and Bangladesh
Pakistan and Bangladesh share historical and regional cultural connections reflected in their music, literature, artistic traditions and performing arts. The latest initiative seeks to build on these connections by providing opportunities for direct interaction between the two countries’ cultural communities.
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Officials said the visit reflects Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening friendly relations with Bangladesh through cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement.
The return of cultural exchanges after three decades also offers an opportunity to renew artistic partnerships, deepen mutual understanding and explore how cultural cooperation can contribute to stronger bilateral relations.
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The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division and PNCA have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting international cultural exchanges and expanding cooperation with Bangladesh.
The visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral cultural engagement, with art, music and performance serving as common ground for fostering friendship and greater understanding between the two nations.
