Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said that no civilization is superior or inferior to another; rather, cultural diversity is humanity’s greatest strength.
He made the remarks while addressing a seminar as the chief guest at the National Library of Bangladesh in the capital’s Agargaon on Wednesday.
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Association of Bangladesh-China Alumni (ABCA), hosted the seminar and exhibition titled "Dialogue of Kindred Spirits: China-Bangladesh Scholars' Dialogue" to mark the inaugural United Nations International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen graced the occasion as the special guest.
Nitai Roy Chowdhury said 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.
He 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 said, “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, 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.
High-ranking officials from the Chinese Embassy, eminent Bangladeshi scholars, researchers, and senior officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, attended the event.
bd-pratidin/GR
