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Published : 19 Apr 2026, 12:00 PM
The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has hosted a day-long cultural festival and discussion bringing together diplomats, academics and artists to celebrate the Bengali New Year and reflect on shared traditions across South and Southeast Asia.
The event, titled “Cosmologies of Confluence”, was held at the university’s campus on Saturday, the university said in a statement.
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj attended as chief guest, while Nepal Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari and diplomats from several countries joined the programme alongside students, teachers and invited guests.
According to ULAB, the festival was designed as a platform for dialogue, artistic expression and cultural exchange, drawing connections between the Bengali New Year celebrations observed across the region.
In his remarks, Hajjaj said such initiatives help strengthen mutual understanding and harmony by honouring cultural diversity.
ULAB Vice-Chancellor Prof Shamsad Mortuza delivered the welcome speech, saying efforts that bring education and culture together help nurture human values and a broader global outlook among the younger generation.
Prof Kaiser Haq presented the conceptual background and objectives of the event, while Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Jude William R Genilo delivered the vote of thanks at the end of the inaugural session.
The main discussion featured Ambassador Bhandari and other diplomats, who reflected on the significance of intercultural engagement and the value of building connections across borders.
Singer-songwriter and writer Moushumi Bhowmik also joined the session.
The festival included cultural performances by ULAB students as well as traditional games, giving the celebration a festive atmosphere beyond the discussion panels.
It concluded with a closing discussion titled “Calendars and Festivals Beyond Borders”.
Among the special guests were UNESCO Bangladesh Representative Dr Susan Vize, Chakma Circle Chief Raja Devasish Roy, The Hunger Project Country Director Prashanta Tripura, and researcher and writer Pavel Partha.
ULAB said the event sought to highlight both the richness of distinct cultural traditions and the shared human ties that connect communities across the region.
