Verma Highlights Deep India-Bangladesh Cultural Ties

High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma. File Photo

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Thursday described the relationship between Bangladesh and India as unique and deeply rooted in shared history, language, culture and strong people-to-people connections.

Speaking at the inauguration of the art exhibition “Sampriti” in Dhaka, he said art continues to serve as a powerful bridge between the two neighbouring countries, creating opportunities for dialogue, empathy and cultural harmony beyond borders.

The exhibition, hosted by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Gulshan, features works by leading Bangladeshi artists and scholars and will remain open to visitors from May 8 to May 17.

During the event, Pranay Verma paid tribute to noted artist Tarun Ghosh, who passed away in April. One of his artworks has been displayed in recognition of his lasting contribution to the art world.

The exhibition follows the two-day “Sampriti” Art Camp organised in April to mark the 77th Foundation Day of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, which was established on April 9, 1950. Over the decades, the organisation has played a major role in promoting cultural exchange through art, music, literature, education and academic collaboration.

The inauguration also coincided with the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, whose literary and artistic legacy continues to influence generations across South Asia and beyond.

The ceremony began with a traditional lamp-lighting tribute attended by prominent artists including Rafiqun Nabi, Monirul Islam, Farida Zaman and Abdus Sattar.

Addressing the audience, the Indian envoy said Tagore remains a towering symbol of the shared cultural heritage of Bangladesh and India, representing creativity, humanism and harmony that continue to strengthen bilateral relations.

The exhibition showcases works created by 33 contemporary Bangladeshi artists and ICCR scholars, including Jamal Ahmed, Naima Haque and Ranjit Das, among others.

Curated by Sanjoy Chakraborty, the exhibition celebrates cultural harmony, artistic collaboration and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Senior artists at the event expressed hope that initiatives like “Sampriti” would encourage greater artistic exchange and further deepen cultural ties between Bangladesh and India.

The evening also featured performances of Rabindra Sangeet by Shahnaz Nasrin Ila from the music department of University of Dhaka.