Captivating performances of Bengali music and dance by a 15-member Bangladeshi cultural troupe brought the rich artistic traditions of Bangladesh to life at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad on Saturday, celebrating the enduring cultural connections between Pakistan and Bangladesh and highlighting the role of artistic exchanges in bringing people closer.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended the vibrant cultural evening as Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, Secretary National Heritage & Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani, members of the diplomatic corps, senior civil and military officials, media representatives, students and members of the community from the both sides.
Welcoming the visiting artists, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said cultural exchanges provide a meaningful platform for people to understand one another, appreciate diverse artistic traditions and strengthen mutual respect.
He expressed the hope that the visit would encourage artists from Pakistan and Bangladesh to visit each other’s countries, share creative experiences and build stronger cultural and people-to-people connections.
He said that the Ministry was keen to welcome the Bangladeshi troupe and meet the High Commissioner, underscoring the importance attached to strengthening bilateral engagement through culture.
Secretary National Heritage & Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani welcomed the delegation and appreciated the dedication of the artists in presenting Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.
He observed that such exchanges create opportunities for artists and cultural institutions to share experiences, inspire young performers and preserve traditional artistic practices.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of the Bangladeshi counterparts, diplomatic representatives, PNCA management and technical teams in organizing the programme.
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 expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for warmly welcoming the visiting artists and emphasized the importance of cultural initiatives in strengthening relations between the two peoples.
The nearly two-hour programme featured a colourful blend of group dances, solo vocal performances and group songs, earning enthusiastic applause from a packed auditorium. Solo vocal 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, accompanied by musicians Raju Ahmed Chowdhury on tabla, Md. Rahat Ahmed Hasan on synthesizer, 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 the opportunity to experience the country’s hospitality and cultural environment.
During their visit, the delegation toured the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) and Faisal Mosque, and other places expressing admiration for Islamabad’s beauty and cultural landmarks. The visit provided an opportunity for the artists and officials to experience Pakistan’s heritage and further deepen mutual understanding.
On the sidelines of the cultural evening, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi inaugurated a solo art exhibition by acclaimed Bangladeshi artist Md. Abdus Sattar organized at PNCA’s photography gallery, adding another dimension to the celebration of Bangladesh’s artistic heritage.
Later, the Embassy of Bangladesh hosted a dinner reception in honour of Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani, other ministry officials and the visiting cultural troupe. The reception provided an opportunity to exchange views on the longstanding historical and cultural connections between Pakistan and Bangladesh and the positive momentum in their bilateral relations. The High Commissioner highlighted forthcoming memoranda of understanding (MoUs) expected to be signed between the two countries, reflecting prospects for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
During the interaction, the Federal Minister warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed hope that the visit and performances would pave the way for more frequent exchanges between artists and cultural institutions of the two countries.
Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani welcomed the Bangladeshi guests and suggested that direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh could facilitate easier travel and closer people-to-people contacts. As a gesture of goodwill and friendship, the Federal Minister and the Secretary also recorded messages in the visitors’ notebook at the dinner reception, reaffirming their warm sentiments for Bangladesh and their commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation and bilateral ties.
