Photo: Collected
An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation today at the ongoing 12th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh. The MoU emphasizes on further strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Russia, along with expanding the scope of mutual cultural exchange, heritage preservation, art and culture, museums, archaeology and creative cooperation.
Earlier, Myanmar’s Minister for Religious and Cultural Affairs U Tin Oo Lwin paid a courtesy call on Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury. During the meeting, both ministers had fruitful discussions on the archaeological sites, Buddhist heritage, cultural unity, and common historical features of the two countries.
During the forum, the Culture Minister will give a special interview to Russian international media outlet Sputnik International. In the interview, he will highlight Bangladesh’s thousand-year-old rich cultural heritage, archaeological resources, various folk festivals including Bengali New Year, the diverse culture of small ethnic groups in the hills and plains, and the multidimensional nature of Bengali music.
On the second day of the forum (September 25), the Minister of Culture will deliver the keynote address in the thematic session titled ‘Folk Artisan Craftwork Rebooted’. There, he will highlight the global potential of folk art, craft revival and traditional handicrafts in Bangladesh.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the forum’s plenary session tomorrow afternoon.
It is noteworthy that a three-member Bangladesh delegation led by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury left Dhaka on September 22, 2026. Two joint secretaries of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs are in the delegation. By participating in this International Cultures Forum to be held from September 24-26, 2026, Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage, multi-dimensional culture, and new horizons of cultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation with friendly countries will be revealed on the world stage.
After the visit, the minister is expected to return to the country on September 28, 2026.