India, Bangladesh discuss cultural cooperation during ‘Nazrul Borsho’
Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi and Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury during a meeting on September 6, 2026. Photo: X/@ihcdhaka.
India and Bangladesh discussed ways to deepen cultural cooperation, including exchanges in classical music, folk art and heritage conservation, particularly as part of Dhaka’s year-long celebrations commemorating the legacy of revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi met Bangladesh Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury on Sunday (September 6, 2026) during which they discussed the “deep-rooted cultural connection” between the peoples of the two countries, according to a social media post by the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka.
The talks also focused on the importance of strengthening cultural engagement between the two neighbors, it said.
Minister of State for Cultural Affairs Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam was also present at the meeting.
The two sides “discussed potential cooperation and exchanges in the field of classical music, folk art, heritage conservation, institutional ties and joint cultural programs and conferences, particularly in the context of the Nazrul Borsho celebrations, all aimed at promoting people-to-people ties,” the mission said.
Nazrul Boršo, or the Year of Nazrul, is celebrated in Bangladesh from May 25, 2026 to May 25, 2027 to commemorate the 127th birth anniversary of the country’s national poet.
Popularly known as “Bidrohi Kobi” (Rebel Poet), Nazrul was born in 1899 in Churulia in present-day West Bengal. His writings promoted freedom, equality, resistance to oppression and communalism, and his songs and poetry became an important part of the cultural and political life of Bengal during the Indian freedom movement.
West Bengal officially commemorates his birth anniversary while Churulia preserves his memory through the Nazrul Academy. His Nazrul Geeti remains an important part of Bengali musical heritage.
The year-long celebration of ‘Nazrul Borsho’ seeks to highlight his literary, musical and cultural legacy through programs in Bangladesh and international initiatives.
Published – 07 Sep 2026 10:21 IST