Bangladesh, UK strengthen cultural diplomacy, people-to-people ties

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam visited the Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford on Friday to explore opportunities for cultural cooperation and the promotion of Bangladesh’s creative economy at the invitation of the Museum.

She was accompanied by Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Bangladesh high commissioner to the UK and other senior officials, said a press release.

During the visit, the state minister toured “Climate, Culture, Care,” an exhibition by Bangladeshi artist Soma Surovi Jannat, which marks the first solo exhibition by a Bangladesh-based artist at a museum in the UK.

Read More

Shama Obaed to visit Spain, UK Oct 26-30 to boost economic, cultural ties

She was impressed by the intensity, depth and creativity of Surobhi’s work. She also visited selected collections of the museum, accompanied by its curatorial team.

The state minister also held discussions with Dr Mallica Kumbera Landrus, keeper of Eastern Art and curator at the Ashmolean Museum, on strengthening engagement between relevant authorities focusing on institutional partnerships, cultural exchanges, and initiatives to support Bangladeshi artists and develop the country’s creative economy.

The visit reflects the growing recognition of Bangladesh’s contemporary art and underscores government initiatives to leveraging cultural diplomacy as an important instrument of foreign policy, fostering mutual understanding, building bridges between societies and strengthening enduring connections between the peoples of both the countries.