Cultural diplomacy can strengthen India-Bangladesh relation, says MP Ziaul Haque

A five-day painting exhibition and cultural exchange programme between India and Bangladesh has ended in Agartala with a call for more such events to enhance people-to-people contact.

The programme was organised by the Bharat Bangla Maitri Kalikaccha Sammilani – a socio-cultural front consisting of Indians and Bangladeshis whose roots trace back to the famous Kalikaccha village of Brahmanbarhia.

Md Ziaul Haque Mridha, an MP from Brahmanbarhia-2 constituency, inaugurated the exhibition that highlights works of renowned painter Prabhat Chandra Sen.

Sen was a resident of West Bengal who had hailed from Kalikaccha and studied at the Government College of Art and Crafts Dacca.

Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Prafullajit Sinha and Pabitra Kar, Deputy Speaker of Tripura Legislative Assembly in the Agartala City Centre, were present at the function.

More than 40 works of the painter were on display.

"There might be some misunderstanding between us but regular people-to-people contact can strengthen the relations," the Bangladesh MP told reporters.

A colourful cultural programme by Tripura and Bangladesh artistes was also held.

The participants said more such cultural exchange programme should be organised by India and Bangladesh to bring the people closer.