ISLAMABAD: Captivating performances of Bengali music and dance by a 15-member Bangladeshi cultural troupe brought the rich artistic traditions of Bangladesh to life Saturday night.

The event, held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) celebrated the enduring cultural connections between Pakistan and Bangladesh and highlighted the role of artistic exchanges in bringing people closer.

Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended the 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 both sides.

Welcoming the visiting artists, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said cultural exchanges provided 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.

The 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 created opportunities for artists and cultural institutions to share experiences, inspire young performers and preserve traditional artistic practices.

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 emphasised 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.

The 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 synthesiser, Md Iqbal Hossain Khondaker on guitar and Shourov Saha on octapad.

Most members of the delegation were visiting Pakistan for the first time and were delighted 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 organised at PNCA’s photography gallery, adding another dimension to the celebration of Bangladesh’s artistic heritage.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2026