State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today said the present government attaches great importance to cultural diplomacy as an instrument of soft power to strengthen international partnerships, promote people-to-people exchanges and enhance Bangladesh's global standing.
She made the remarks at a seminar titled "Kazi Nazrul Islam: The Universal Voice of Freedom and Humanity" at the Foreign Service Academy here.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised the seminar in partnership with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. A colourful cultural programme followed the discussion.
Shama said culture was increasingly being viewed as a strategic tool for presenting Bangladesh's heritage, values and identity to the world amid conflicts, intensifying geopolitical competition and growing pressure on multilateral frameworks.
"In such an environment, diplomacy cannot depend only on dialogues, negotiations or traditional instruments. The world needs the power of culture," she said.
Through creative collaboration and partnerships, Bangladesh seeks to showcase its rich cultural traditions while building goodwill, trust and lasting relationships with the international community, she said.
The state minister stressed the need for a common platform to bring people closer and strengthen their shared commitment to universal values.
Describing national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam as a poet of harmony and human solidarity, she said his works could serve as a powerful vehicle for cultural diplomacy by carrying messages of humanity across borders.
Nazrul's literary and musical legacy demonstrated how cultural expression could transcend geographical boundaries, connect societies and advance mutual understanding among nations, she said.
Shama said his philosophy remained relevant to Bangladesh's identity and its efforts to promote peace, tolerance and international understanding.
The significance of Nazrul extended beyond commemoration, she said, highlighting the opportunity to introduce his life, literary contributions and universal message to a wider international audience.
She said Nazrul's non-communal philosophy had contributed significantly to shaping Bengali identity, rooted in tolerance, respect for diversity and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
These values were embedded in Bangladesh's social and cultural traditions and reflected in its Constitution, she said.
Promoting Nazrul internationally would help present Bangladesh as a culturally diverse and intellectually confident country committed to global peace and development, the state minister said.
She expressed hope that greater international engagement with his works would deepen appreciation of his philosophy and open new avenues for cultural exchanges and cooperation.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom was among the special guests.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Service Academy Rector Ambassador Nahida Sobhan and poet Abdul Hye Sikder, among others, spoke at the seminar.
Vice-Chancellor of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University Professor Dr Mohammad Musharof Hossain presented the keynote address.
