Bangladesh envoy proposes annual cultural, creative exchange programme with Nepal
The exhibition was jointly organised by Nepal’s National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ) and the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA).
Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman has proposed establishing an annual Bangladesh-Nepal Cultural and Creative Exchange Programme to strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
He made the proposal while addressing the inauguration of the "Beautiful Bangladesh" International Photo Exhibition 2026 at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a Unesco World Heritage Site, today (19 August).
The exhibition was jointly organised by Nepal's National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ) and the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA) under the Bangladesh-Nepal Photo Journalist Exchange Programme. It also marked World Photography Day.
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Speaking as the chief guest, Ambassador Shafiqur said photography is a powerful means of communication and expression, and the exhibition offered Nepali audiences an opportunity to explore Bangladesh's natural beauty, cultural heritage, historical landmarks and the everyday lives of its people.
Highlighting the shared cultural and linguistic affinities between Bangladesh and Nepal, he said growing tourist exchanges, particularly from Bangladesh to Nepal, were strengthening people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.
Under his proposed annual exchange programme, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, artists, writers and other cultural practitioners from both countries could participate in joint exhibitions, cultural performances, film festivals, photography exchanges and workshops, with activities held alternately in Bangladesh and Nepal.
The ambassador also called for greater use of digital platforms and contemporary media to promote the cultural heritage and tourism destinations of both countries. He urged the photojournalists' associations to undertake joint tourism promotion initiatives showcasing attractions in Bangladesh and Nepal.
He assured that the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu would support and facilitate such initiatives as far as possible.
The ambassador later attended a Chinese Photography Exhibition organised by the Chinese Cultural Centre as the guest of honour. He delivered a courtesy speech and toured the exhibition with other guests.
Officials from the Nepal Tourism Board, the Chinese Cultural Centre, and other dignitaries from Nepal and China attended the Bangladesh photo exhibition.
