Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has said that over the past five decades, Bangladesh and China have advanced together—strengthening trade, connectivity, and above all, bonds between people. “Cultural diplomacy has been central to this journey. Through exchanges in art, literature, music, archaeology, and museums, we have shared not just artifacts but values, visions, and worldviews,” she noted.
The Environment Advisor made these remarks while inaugurating the “Radiant Stars: Lingjiatan Culture Photo Exhibition from Anhui, China” at the Bangladesh National Museum on Monday.
In her speech, Rizwana Hasan described the exhibition as a dialogue between civilizations and a celebration of friendship. Marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties and the “Year of People-to-People Exchanges,” she emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has always gone beyond trade and infrastructure. “Culture has been a constant, shaping our architecture, Buddhist heritage, and artistic expressions. In turn, Bangladeshi crafts, music, and literature have long been admired in China. This exhibition continues that legacy,” she said.
Referring to Lingjiatan’s jade artifacts, the Advisor highlighted how they reflect harmony with nature and spiritual balance. Drawing parallels with Bangladesh’s ancient sites such as Mahasthangarh, Wari-Bateshwar, and Paharpur, she said the exhibition resonates deeply with Bangladesh’s civilizational journey and offers wisdom for addressing present-day climate challenges.
She also welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Bangladesh National Museum and Anhui Museum to promote joint exhibitions, expertise sharing, and academic collaboration. Rizwana Hasan praised Anhui’s donation of bronze replicas and the “Four Treasures of the Study” to the Museum’s permanent China Corner, calling it a lasting symbol of goodwill.
The ceremony was attended by Sun Yong, Vice Governor of Anhui Province, China; Md. Mofidur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs; Altaf Hossain Choudhury, President of Bangladesh-China Cultural Economic & Mass Communication Centre; and Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, along with curators, officials, and invited guests.
Later, Adviser visited the exhibition and Chinese corner in the National Museum. The exhibition is now open to the public from August 25 to September 25 at the Bangladesh National Museum.