Goethe-Institut celebrates return to historic Dhanmondi site

Celebration of the rerurn of Goethe-Instittut to the Dhaka Dhanmandi address on Wednesday evening. UNB - Tahiyat Nazifa Noor

Dhaka, Apr 22 – Goethe-Institut Bangladesh celebrated the grand reopening of its newly renovated premises at the familiar old address - House 10, Road 9, Dhanmondi Residential Area - in the capital on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the institute’s decades-long commitment to fostering cultural exchange between Germany and Bangladesh.

Established in Dhaka in 1961, Goethe-Institut Bangladesh has grown into a dynamic cultural hub that serves people from all walks of life. The institution has played a pivotal role in promoting German language learning, organizing artistic events, film screenings, lectures, and facilitating exchange opportunities, thereby acting as a vital bridge between the two nations.

The reopening of the Dhanmondi premises—where the institution has deep-rooted historical ties—was held under the slogan "Back where we belong," celebrating a return to its spiritual and cultural home.

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Education Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh; Achim Tröster, Ambassador of Germany to Bangladesh; Dr Marla Stukenberg, Director of Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi and Regional Director for South Asia; and Luva Nahid Choudhury, Director-General of Bengal Foundation.

Frank Werner, Director of the Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, delivered the welcome speech, setting the tone for the evening’s celebration. He underscored the symbolic significance of returning to Dhanmandi 9, and presented the renovated facility as a renewed emblem of cultural connection.

"We are finally back where we belong," Werner said. "And we can now offer all our visitors and partners an improved spatial experience with completely new lines of sight and generous open circulation areas."

His remarks were followed by an address from Dr Marla Stukenberg, who emphasized the importance of the event in strengthening cultural and educational bonds between Germany, Bangladesh, and the broader South Asian region.

Professor Abrar and Ambassador Tröster both acknowledged the vital role Goethe-Institut has played in nurturing cultural and educational cooperation over the years. They praised the institute’s contribution to building a platform for dialogue, innovation, and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Luva Nahid Choudhury highlighted the critical importance of cultural institutions and the long-term value of sustained collaboration between partners across borders.

The ceremony also featured a captivating live performance by popular Bangladeshi band Chirkutt, echoing the institute’s focus on inclusivity, creativity, and innovation.

With this reopening, Goethe-Institut Bangladesh renews its commitment to cultural exchange and creative collaboration. The upgraded institute now includes modernized classrooms, a redesigned library and media lounge, multifunctional event spaces, enhanced digital infrastructure, and new back-office facilities—aimed at creating a more engaging and accessible environment for all. - UNB