France vows strong cultural, youth ties with Bangladesh
France and Bangladesh have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation through youth skills development, French language training, cultural exchange, and renewal of historic agreements
ATT Desk Report 
France has reaffirmed its commitment to work more closely with Bangladesh’s new government, focusing on youth skill development, French language training, and cultural cooperation, during a courtesy call by French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury at his ministry on June 14, Sunday.
The meeting, held at 11:30am, was attended by a high-level French delegation including Frédéric Inza, Cultural Adviser; François Chambraud, Director of Alliance Française in Dhaka; and Bruno Lacrampe, Director of Alliance Française in Chattogram. Senior Bangladeshi officials, including Secretary Kaniz Maula and Joint Secretary Iliya Sumana, were also present.
Ambassador Séré-Charlet expressed France’s keen interest in deepening bilateral ties with Bangladesh’s new administration. He highlighted the potential of Bangladeshi youth and proposed joint technical training initiatives to build a skilled workforce. He also stressed the need for specialised French language courses to open global opportunities for young Bangladeshis.
Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury recalled that Bangladesh and France have enjoyed friendly relations for over five decades, since 1972. He called for the timely renewal and modernisation of the historic bilateral Cultural Agreement signed on 10 March 1987, noting that the process is underway through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in consultation with relevant ministries.
The Minister also pointed to the joint archaeological excavation and research at Mahasthangarh as a vital part of shared heritage. A 1992 agreement governing this cooperation is currently being reviewed for re-signing to ensure continued joint research.
Both sides agreed on expanding the activities of Alliance Française in Dhaka and Chattogram to strengthen language and cultural training for young people. The meeting underscored a shared vision for stronger people-to-people ties and cultural collaboration between France and Bangladesh under the new government.
