Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury addressed an event as the chief guest  today at the National Library in Agargaon. Photo : PID

DHAKA, June 10, 2026 (BSS) - No civilization is superior or inferior to 
another, rather, cultural diversity is humanity's greatest strength, stated 
the Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury.

He came up with the remarks while addressing an event as the chief guest 
today at the National Library in Agargaon here.

To mark the inaugural United Nations International Day for Dialogue Among 
Civilizations, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bangladesh, 
in collaboration with the Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni (ABCA), 
hosted a distinguished seminar and exhibition titled "Dialogue of Kindred 
Spirits: China-Bangladesh thought Exchage Event". 

Yao Wen, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Bangladesh, 
graced the occasion as the special guest.

In his address, Cultural Affairs Minister remarked the world today faces deep 
fractures driven by misunderstanding and the dangerous rhetoric of cultural 
superiority. 

The establishment of this UN International Day sends a definitive message: 
civilizations do not clash when they meet, they thrive through exchange and 
forge ahead through mutual learning.

The Minister highly appreciated the 'Global Civilization Initiative' (GCI) 
proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

By advocating for the diversity of civilizations and prioritizing people-to-
people exchanges, this initiative aligns seamlessly with Bangladesh's own 
commitment to sovereign, inclusive, and pluralistic development culture. 

"Guided by these nationalistic and cooperative principles, we choose 
collaboration over conflict," he added.

Highlighting the deep-rooted historical ties, the minister emphasized, China 
and Bangladesh are ancient friends linked by rivers, mountains and millennia 
of shared history. 

The legendary legacy of the great Buddhist monk Atish Dipankar stands as an 
eternal testament to the intellectual integration of our peoples. 

Today, that ancient spark has successfully evolved into a Comprehensive 
Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Following the seminar, the minister, alongside Ambassador Yao Wen and other 
dignitaries, toured a special exhibition showcasing the heritage, 
archaeology, and historical ties between the two nations. 

During the walkthrough, they appreciated traditional Chinese calligraphy and 
the historical book display. 

Addressing the eminent scholars and academics present, the Minister urged 
them to leverage this platform to further deepen bilateral cultural 
cooperation.

The event was widely attended by high-ranking officials from the Chinese 
Embassy, eminent Bangladeshi scholars, researchers, and senior officials from 
the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.