Secretary Mudabbir Hossain Chowdhury termed the SAARC countries as 'rich in cultural heritage' and said the exchange of cultures among the member countries of SAARC would enhance the bond of cooperation--the very idea on which the association of the seven South Asian countries is based.

Minister M Morshed Khan pointed out the different initiatives taken recently within the framework of cultural exchanges among the SAARC members--India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh. He put emphasis on the necessity of the SAARC countries 'our best goodwill ambassadors', Morshed invited the member countries for a 'concerted efforts to preserve our tradition and culture in an area when attempts are being made to promote a single global culture'. He mentioned the establishment of a SAARC cultural centre in Sri Lanka.

In the cultural session, Bangladeshi artistes first took to the stage and presented a lively show featuring dances and songs. The show began with a welcome dance piece by the performers of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. A group dance, blending modern and classical forms of dance, followed. The piece performed by the artistes of Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts revealed the intricate movements of the different shades of classical composition.

A Manipuri dance presented by Nrityan Dance Centre featured a blend of percussion instruments of both the cultures-- the Manipuri Mridanga and the Bangali Dhol--accompanied by Kartal. The composition was directed by Taranna Rahman.

Singer Alam Ara Minu sang the popular patriotic number Prothom Bangladesh Amar Shesh Bangladesh. Renowned Rabindra Sangeet artiste Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya rendered Amar hiyar majhe lukiyechhile. Among others, Yakub Ali Khan sang a Nazrul song. Baby Naznin performed a Bhawaiya song and Monir Khan song a modern Bangla song.

After the Bangladesh session, the cultural troupes from Bhutan presented a vibrant colourful show. The items revealed the exotic beauty of Bhutanese traditional costumes and dances. A delighted audience saw the special dance pieces like the mask-dance.

Tomorrow, on the third evening of the festival, cultural troupes from Pakistan will stage their show at 7 pm. Tickets are available at the Shilpakala Academy.

However, organised jointly by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, it seemed that the organisers were not interested in letting the media give the event wide coverage, especially the print media. Except for the TV crews of the country's television channels, few journalists were seen at the event. The newspaper houses were not informed well ahead of the festival. Events of international importance perhaps need more attention.