Kathmandu— Md. Shafiqur Rahman, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, proposed the establishment of an annual Bangladesh-Nepal Cultural and Creative Exchange Programme on Wednesday at the inauguration of the “Beautiful Bangladesh” International Photo Exhibition 2026 held at Kathmandu Durbar Square. The event, co-organized by Nepalese and Bangladeshi photojournalist associations, aimed to strengthen ties between the two nations through cultural understanding and tourism promotion, coinciding with World Photography Day. Rahman emphasized photography’s role in showcasing Bangladesh's beauty and heritage while highlighting existing cultural connections and increasing tourist travel between the countries. He outlined a program that would facilitate exchanges among artists, filmmakers, musicians, and other creative professionals.

Exhibition Highlights Bilateral Ties

The “Beautiful Bangladesh” International Photo Exhibition 2026 was jointly organized by the National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ) Nepal and the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association (BPJA) as part of an ongoing photojournalist exchange program. The event served to strengthen friendship, professional collaboration, cultural understanding, and tourism promotion between Bangladesh and Nepal. Dignitaries from both countries, including Acting Director General of the Nepal Tourism Board and a Deputy Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre, attended the inauguration held at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Basantapur.

Photography as a Bridge

Ambassador Rahman underscored the power of photography as a medium for communication and expression. He stated that holding the exhibition on World Photography Day within a world heritage site offered Nepali audiences a unique opportunity to experience Bangladesh’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and the daily lives of its citizens.

Proposed Cultural Exchange Program

The Ambassador proposed establishing an Annual Cultural and Creative Exchange Programme to bring together artists from both nations. He suggested that this program could include joint exhibitions, cultural performances, film festivals, photography exchanges, and workshops, alternating locations between Bangladesh and Nepal. Rahman believes such initiatives would deepen the existing cultural and people-to-people connections between the two neighboring countries.

The Ambassador expressed hope that the exhibition will inspire increased interaction, travel, cooperation, and friendship between the peoples of Bangladesh and Nepal.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.