ISLAMABAD: ( WNAM REPORT ): The High Commission of Bangladesh in Pakistan hosted a vibrant celebration of Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, at the Silk Road Cultural Centre, marking a significant step in deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
High Commissioner Mohammad Iqbal Hussain Khan welcomed a diverse gathering of diplomats, civil society members, and cultural figures, and highlighted the festival’s historical and agricultural origins. “This day holds special historical value, particularly during the reign of Emperor Akbar the Great, who institutionalized the Bengali calendar to help farmers align crop cycles with the seasons,” he said.
The High Commissioner also emphasized a positive turn in bilateral relations. “Our ties are entering a new phase after a revolution of reform and progress in Bangladesh. The new government in Dhaka is committed to strengthening its diplomatic and cultural relations with Islamabad.”
Chief Guest Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, Ambreen Jan, brought a personal touch to the celebration, recalling her six-year tenure in Dhaka. “It’s not just a cultural event, it’s a celebration of life itself,” she remarked, praising the High Commission’s efforts in fostering mutual understanding through culture, media, and people-to-people exchanges.
The event was a colorful showcase of both Bengali and Pakistani cultural traditions, featuring live music, folk songs, traditional attire, and authentic Bengali cuisine. The Bangladeshi diaspora and local attendees together created an atmosphere of shared joy and heritage.
The celebration underscored the power of cultural diplomacy in bridging historical divides and fostering new beginnings. As both nations look ahead, such events pave the way for a future rooted in cooperation, mutual respect, and unity through culture.
