Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said opportunities for academic and professional knowledge exchange strengthen the longstanding people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and India. He also called for establishing a Bangladesh-India joint research centre on Ayurveda.

He made the remarks at an event held at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday to mark the 11th Ayurveda Day.

Dinesh Trivedi said traditional knowledge systems have enduring relevance in promoting holistic wellbeing and preventive healthcare. Calling for the establishment of a joint research centre on Ayurveda between Bangladesh and India, he said such a platform would create opportunities for academic and professional knowledge exchange. This would further strengthen the longstanding people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The event featured an academic session, workshop and cultural programme. Ann Mary George, director of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, delivered the welcome address. Rashiduzzaman Khan, principal of the Government Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College; Dr Md Mukhlesur Rahman, representing members of the Pracheer; Dr Muhammed Mamun Mia, principal of Nur Majid Ayurvedic College; and Shamsul Alam Azad, principal of Narayanganj Arts College, were present at the event.

Ann Mary George explained the role of India’s Ministry of Ayush in promoting Ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and homoeopathy.