Government Working to Restore Bangladesh’s Lost History and Heritage: Culture Minister

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said that the government is working to restore Bangladesh’s lost history, culture, and heritage, much of which has faded over time despite the country’s rich thousand-year-old traditions.

He made the remarks today while inaugurating the “Nepal Festival-2026 Cultural Program” at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. The event was organized by Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship.

The minister said that all stakeholders must work together to preserve and revive cultural traditions rooted in heritage. He emphasized the importance of protecting the cultural identity of different ethnic communities, religions, and social groups living in both the hills and plains of Bangladesh.

Describing Bangladesh as a land of diversity and abundance, he noted that people from different parts of the world once came to Bengal in search of prosperity and opportunity due to its rich culture and resources. He stressed the need to safeguard these national assets for future generations.

Among others, Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Reza Uddin Stalin, and President of the Pokhara Bangladesh-Nepal Friendship Society Mashiur Rahman also addressed the program.

The Nepalese ambassador said that Bangladesh and Nepal share a cultural relationship dating back nearly a thousand years. He mentioned that the ancient Bengali literary text “Charyapada” was discovered in the royal court of Nepal, reflecting the longstanding historical connection between the two nations.

He also said the people of Bangladesh and Nepal share many similarities in food habits, culture, and lifestyle, which continue to strengthen bilateral friendship.

The event featured exhibitions and sales of traditional Nepali food organized by Nepali students, followed by a cultural performance.