Dhaka moots annual cultural exchange with Kathmandu

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman has called for an annual Bangladesh-Nepal Cultural and Creative Exchange Programme to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote tourism between the two countries.

He made the proposal on 19 August while addressing the opening of the 'Beautiful Bangladesh' International Photo Exhibition 2026 at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Nepal, says a press release.

The exhibition was co-hosted by Nepal's National Forum of Photo Journalists and the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association as part of an ongoing photojournalist exchange programme between the two countries. The event also marked World Photography Day.

Speaking as chief guest, the ambassador said photography could serve as an effective medium for presenting Bangladesh's natural beauty, cultural heritage, historical sites and the everyday lives of its people to Nepali audiences.

Rahman highlighted the cultural and linguistic similarities between Bangladesh and Nepal and said growing tourism and people-to-people contact could further strengthen bilateral relations.

Under his proposed annual programme, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, artists, writers and other creative professionals from both countries could participate in joint exhibitions, cultural performances, film festivals, photography exchanges and workshops. The events could alternate between Bangladesh and Nepal.

He also encouraged photojournalists of both countries to undertake joint tourism promotion initiatives using digital platforms and contemporary media to showcase their destinations.

The ambassador assured that the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu would support such initiatives where possible.