Bangladeshi cultural stars shine up stage in Riyadh

Bangla Press Desk:   Bangladeshi cultural celebrities showcased the country's cultural heritage by staging lively and colourful performances in Riyadh on Tuesday to celebrate the second season of the Global Harmony initiative.

The programme, held at Al-Suwaidi Park in the southern part of the Saudi capital, was organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media and featured Bangladesh’s vibrant cultural heritage, art and lifestyle.

On the first day of the four-day programme, actress Pararthana Fardin Dighi and Robiul Haque Zaman hosted the event while Singers Akash Mahmud and Mohammad Imran sang songs. A dance performance was also staged while circus acts showcased Bangladeshi heritage in the park.

Several hundreds of expatriates crowded at the park to enjoy the performances of the Bangladeshi cultural stars. During the programme that started at around 5:30pm local time, many temporary stalls set up on the park premises were seen selling different types of Bangladeshi products including traditional foods and clothes.

Talking to journalists at the media centre, Sarry Shaban, spokesperson of the Global Harmony Season 2 programme on Tuesday night said "We are very excited to have our biggest community living in Saudi Arabia and we are working together to reach our goal - Global Harmony."

"We have a beautiful week ahead and artists and stars crew from Bangladesh to Riyadh. This event will even help the Saudi audience to know more about Bangladesh and its culture. If there is anything close to my heart it is the fellow Bangladeshi people who are living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he added.

Sarry said it is free for everyone to enjoy and get entertained. "This is amazing. Those who are living in Saudi Arabia are like their second home. We are happy to host you."

The Ministry of Media officials of the Saudi Arabia government said the event celebrates the Kingdom’s cultural diversity under its Vision 2030 plan, which promotes harmony and mutual understanding among residents of different nationalities.

Visitors can experience traditional Bangladeshi music, dance and cuisine as the venue transforms into a festive mini-Bangladesh, offering expatriates a taste of home. The Bangladesh segment will continue until 14 November with daily performances by singers and dancers.

Last year’s Global Harmony event featured renowned performers such as rock legend Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica, Habib Wahid, Porshi and Beauty Khan, with James’s first-ever concert in Riyadh as the highlight.

The ongoing Global Harmony Season 2, launched last week, will run until 20 December and start on 2 November. It showcases cultures from 14 countries and regions, including Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Palestine, the Levant and several African nations, through music, folk dance, traditional food, handicrafts and family-friendly carnivals.

According to Ministry of Media officials, the initiative aims to strengthen social bonds and improve the quality of life for expatriates contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economy.

“Global Harmony 2 opens a new path for cultural connection and mutual respect within the Kingdom,” the officials said. “It is part of our ongoing efforts to make Saudi Arabia a hub of global cultures.”

BP/TD