The expatriate Bangladeshis expressed a sigh of relief by getting opportunity of recreation with local cultural performances including favourite songs of favourite artists as the Al-Suwaidi Park in Riyadh turned into a mini Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi cultural celebrities are showcasing the country's cultural heritage by staging lively and colourful performances in Riyadh in a four-day event of the second season of the Global Harmony initiative. The event started on Tuesday.

The programme is being held at Al-Suwaidi Park in the southern part of the Saudi capital, which is organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media and featured Bangladesh’s vibrant cultural heritage, art and lifestyle.

The programme is being hosted by Bangladeshi actress Pararthana Fardin Dighi and Robiul Haque Zaman.

As per schedule, renowned singer Monir Khan and Humiara Eshika will sing songs while DJ Turin will stage their performance this evening.

On Wednesday, singers Belal Khan, Israt Jahan Jui and Pushmita Mitra has shined up the stage with their nice songs while DJ Turin also has kept the presence life with her fantastic performance.

A total of 14 countries, including Bangladesh, are showcasing their unique cultures here in the Global Harmony Season 2 programme.

"From the 11 November to the 14th, we have the opportunity to present Bangladesh’s rich history and culture on Saudi Arabia. Bangladeshi artists have come here to share and represent our cultural heritage. People from different nations are also getting to know our traditions and way of life," Ziauddin, a Bangladeshi expatriate in Saudi Arabia told the Daily Sun.

"We sincerely thank both the Saudi Arabian government and the government of Bangladesh for making this possible. Many of our expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia seek moments of joy and entertainment beyond their daily work, and this event allows them to celebrate and enjoy together," he added.

Ziauddin further said "We are proudly and beautifully showcasing our culture, and we hope such wonderful events continue to happen again and again."

Earlier on Tuesday, the first day of Bangladesh segment of the programme, singers Akash Mahmud and Mohammad Imran sang songs. A dance performance was also staged while circus acts showcased Bangladeshi heritage in the park.

Actress Dighi said she would be hosting the Bangladesh Culture programmes until 14 November.

“I came here to host for the first time — a role I’ve never played before. I feel fantastic for coming so close to the Bangladeshi community. The audience is amazing. We are grateful to the Saudi authorities and the Ministry of Media,” she said.

Several hundreds of expatriates are crowding at the park to enjoy the performances of the Bangladeshi cultural stars every day of the event. During the programme that started at around 5:30pm local time, many temporary stalls set up on the park premises were seen selling different types of Bangladeshi products including traditional foods and clothes.

Talking to journalists at the media centre, Sarry Shaban, spokesperson of the Global Harmony Season 2 programme on Tuesday night said "We have a beautiful week ahead and artists and stars crew from Bangladesh to Riyadh. This event will even help the Saudi audience to know more about Bangladesh and its culture. If there is anything close to my heart it is the fellow Bangladeshi people who are living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

Sarry said it is free for everyone to enjoy and get entertained. "This is amazing. Those who are living in Saudi Arabia are like their second home. We are happy to host you."

The Ministry of Media officials of the Saudi Arabia government said the event celebrates the Kingdom’s cultural diversity under its Vision 2030 plan, which promotes harmony and mutual understanding among residents of different nationalities.

Visitors can experience traditional Bangladeshi music, dance and cuisine as the venue transforms into a festive mini-Bangladesh, offering expatriates a taste of home. The Bangladesh segment will continue until 14 November with daily performances by singers and dancers.

The ongoing Global Harmony Season 2, launched last week, began on 2 November and will run until 20 December. It showcases cultures from 14 countries and regions, including Bangladesh over a span of 49 days.

According to Ministry of Media officials, the initiative aims to strengthen social bonds and improve the quality of life for expatriates contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economy.