In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a weeklong art and photography exhibition commenced in the capital city, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Bangladesh and China.
The inaugural session of the exhibition, held at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, was graced by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, who attended as the Chief Guest.
The event is organized by the Chinese embassy and the Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni (ABCA), with collaborative efforts from various institutions, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Confucius Institute of Dhaka University, Bangladesh-China Friendship Center, Confucius Institute of North South University, Confucius Classroom of SMUCT, and Bangla Department of China Media Group (CMG).
Special guests at the event included Professor Nisar Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka, and Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmed, who presided over the function. Liaquat Ali Lucky Director General at Shilpokala Academy, Dr. Yang Hui, Director at the Confucius Institute of Dhaka University, and Professor Dr. Shahabul Haque, the general secretary of ABCA, also spoke at the event.
Ambassador Yao Wen highlighted the role of the BRI project in enhancing people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and China.
"The BRI project is helping Bangladesh to develop its road communication sector hugely, promoting the overall development and industrialization. Through this exhibition people of Bangladesh will know better on how China works here and contributes to the development and rising economy of Bangladesh," he added.
Underlining that not only trade and economic ties but also the cultural connectivity between Bangladesh and China has been boosted through the BRI project, he said, adding that China always stands by Bangladesh.
Ambassador Ahmed stressed the importance of people-to-people connectivity in the BRI project and noted that the exhibition serves as a visual representation of the friendship between Bangladesh and China.
Professor Nisar Hossain encouraged Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in China, citing the presence of top-ranking universities in the country. Dr Yang Hui added that the exhibition showcases the remarkable progress achieved collaboratively by Bangladesh and China.
The speakers expressed wishes for the continued longevity of Bangladesh-China ties. The exhibition will run until December 2, featuring a display of 102 photos and artworks. Bangladesh, as the first South Asian nation, joined the BRI project in 2016.
