Bangladesh is looking to strengthen cultural cooperation and people-to-people ties with the United Kingdom, focusing on institutional partnerships, cultural exchanges, and promoting its creative economy.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Friday visited the Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford to explore opportunities for cultural cooperation and support for Bangladeshi artists. She visited the institution at its invitation, accompanied by Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Muhammad Abdul Muhith and senior officials.
During the visit, Shama toured Climate, Culture, Care, an exhibition by Bangladesh-based artist Soma Surovi Jannat, which marks the first solo exhibition by a Bangladesh-based artist at a UK museum. She expressed appreciation for the creativity of Jannat’s work and toured selected museum collections with the curatorial team.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the visit highlights the growing recognition of contemporary art from Bangladesh and government efforts to use cultural diplomacy as a foreign policy tool. The initiative aims to foster mutual understanding and strengthen connections between the peoples of Bangladesh and the UK.
The state minister also held discussions with Dr Mallica Kumbera Landrus, Keeper of Eastern Art and Curator at the Ashmolean Museum, regarding engagement between relevant authorities. The talks centered on institutional partnerships, cultural exchanges, and initiatives to support Bangladeshi artists and develop the country's creative economy.
Why it matters
The visit strengthens bilateral cultural diplomacy and deepens institutional partnerships between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.