The meeting was held at the office of the Culture Minister in Dhaka on Thursday (8 October). UK MP Apsana Begum led the three-member delegation. MP Shokat Adam and Lord Qurban Hussain were also present.

At the meeting, discussions were held on cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries, various issues of the Bangladeshi community living in the UK, bilateral trade, and cultural exchange. The minister also highlighted the diversity of Bangladesh’s culture and the coexistence of various religious communities.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury said that Bangladesh’s culture is a reflection of thousand-year diversity and harmony. People of various religions and communities in the country are living together with mutual respect and harmony. He also highlighted the government’s initiatives to ensure security during Durga Puja and other religious festivals.

Regarding Durga Puja, he said that last year Durga Puja was held at about 33,000 puja mandaps across the country. This year the number may increase further. At that time, Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury, a member of parliament from a reserved women’s seat, said that an initiative had been taken to increase the allocation of the Hindu Welfare Trust for Durga Puja from Tk 4 crore to Tk 5 crore. She also informed about increasing the Durga Puja holiday by one day.

At the meeting, both sides emphasized strengthening parliamentary communication between Bangladesh and the UK, various issues of Bangladeshi expatriates, expanding trade, and increasing cultural cooperation.

At that time, Culture Secretary Yasmin Begum, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Ilia Suman, and concerned officials were present.