Mesmerizing performances of Bengali music and traditional dance enthralled a packed audience at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Saturday, as a 15-member Bangladeshi cultural troupe showcased the country’s rich artistic heritage in a vibrant celebration of cultural friendship between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Bengali Music, dance enthrall audience at PNCA, strengthen Pakistan-Bangladesh cultural ties
ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP):Mesmerizing performances of Bengali music and traditional dance enthralled a packed audience at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Saturday, as a 15-member Bangladeshi cultural troupe showcased the country’s rich artistic heritage in a vibrant celebration of cultural friendship between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The nearly two-hour programme featured captivating solo vocal performances, group songs and colourful dance presentations, drawing resounding applause from the audience and underscoring the potential of cultural exchanges to bring the people of the two countries closer.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended the event as chief guest, along with Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Md. Iqbal Hussain Khan, Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani, members of the diplomatic corps, senior civil and military officials, media representatives, students and other guests.
Welcoming the visiting artists, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said cultural exchanges provide a meaningful platform for people to understand each other, appreciate diverse artistic traditions and strengthen mutual respect.
He expressed hope that the visit would encourage more frequent exchanges between artists and cultural institutions of Pakistan and Bangladesh, enabling them to share creative experiences and build stronger people-to-people connections.
The minister said the Ministry is pleased to welcome the Bangladeshi troupe and meet the High Commissioner, reflecting the importance attached to promoting bilateral engagement through cultural diplomacy.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani welcomed the delegation and appreciated the artists for presenting Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.
He said such initiatives offered opportunities to share artistic experiences, inspire young performers and preserve traditional art forms.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of 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 links between the two countries, reflected in their music, literature and shared regional traditions. He thanked the Government and people of Pakistan for their warm hospitality and emphasized the role of cultural initiatives in strengthening relations between the two peoples.
The musical performances featured Peal Hassan, Md. Isha Khan Ethun Babu, Mohammad Jamal Uddin Naser and Naznin Chaudhary as solo vocalists. Dance presentations were delivered by Farhana Chowdhury, Abdur Rashid Swapan, Mehbooba Mahnoor Chandni and Golam Mostafa.
The performers were accompanied by 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 delight at experiencing the country’s hospitality and cultural environment.
During their stay, the delegation visited the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), Faisal Mosque and other landmarks, expressing admiration for Islamabad’s scenic beauty and cultural attractions.
On the sidelines of the cultural evening, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi inaugurated a solo art exhibition by acclaimed Bangladeshi artist Md. Abdus Sattar at PNCA’s photography gallery, adding a visual arts dimension to the celebration of Bangladesh’s artistic heritage.
Later, the Embassy of Bangladesh hosted a dinner reception in honour of the federal minister, Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani, other ministry officials and the visiting cultural troupe.
During the reception, the High Commissioner highlighted forthcoming memoranda of understanding (MoUs) expected to be signed between Pakistan and Bangladesh, reflecting opportunities to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Secretary Asad Rehman Gillani suggested that direct flights between the two countries could facilitate travel and promote closer people-to-people contacts.
As a gesture of goodwill, the federal minister and the secretary recorded messages in the visitors’ notebook, reaffirming their warm sentiments for Bangladesh and commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation and bilateral relations.
