Thirty years of Bangladesh-Vietnam diplomatic relations

Vietnamese dancers enthralled the audience with a dance titled Peacock's wings.

To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Vietnam the Ministry of Cultural Affairs arranged a two-day-long cultural programme at the National Museum on 7 and 8 June.

The chief guest of the programme the state minister of Cultural Affairs Begum Selima Rahman said, 'I hope the visit of the Vietnamese delegates along with the artistes will further strengthen the relationship of these two countries.'

Cultural Secretary Mudabbir Hossain Chowdhury said in his speech, 'Vietnam had been the source of inspiration during our Liberation war and now the country is an inspiration of prosperity and progress in all sectors of our socio-political area.'

Charge de Affairs of Vietnamese Embassy, Ngo Van Hua said, 'Thirty years ago a milestone was built between these two countries. During these thirty years the people have also stood together to fight the problems of their lives. Vietnamese people are grateful to the people of Bangladesh for their support.'

Afterwards an enchanting cultural programme followed. Twelve artistes lead by Le Nam were among the Vietnamese delegates who performed in the cultural evening. A Vietnamese group-dance titled 'Festivals of flowers', a composition of music and dance was performed by some young Vietnamese girls. Their colourful dresses cheered the audience very much. After the dance an instrumental presentation by Ngoc Huyan, of a traditional Vietnamese instrument made of bamboo, was also delightful.

Four traditional paintings were hung from the ceiling of the stage and there was a bright blue sky in the background. In southern Vietnam, Apricot flowers blossom in spring with their bright yellow colour. The young dancers performed a group-dance titled 'Yellow Apricot' and danced in yellow dresses, which was a pleasant sight. In Vietnam there is a thousand years old tradition of plantation of rice. A very popular singer of Vietnam Huang Mai performed a folk song regarding this type of plantation.

Peacocks are symbol of love and beauty in Vietnam and the dancers, wearing dresses of beautiful colours, performed a group-dance named 'Peacock's wings'. Noc Huain performed an instrumental piece titled 'Come up to the spring'.

After the Vietnamese presentation, Bangladeshi artistes performed a classical group dance in 'Tarana' led by Shamim Ara Neepa and Shibli Mohammad. After the entertaining dance the artistes of Shilpakala Academy performed a folk orchestra.

Hoang Mai sang a famous Bangla number Ei Padma ei Megna that was greatly applauded by the audience. The artistes used their traditional instruments in this Bangla piece. Another group dance was followed by the song. Finally the guest artistes performed a group dance with music titled 'My homeland Vietnam'. All the delegates along with the Charge de Affairs came on stage and sang in chorus with the artistes. At the end the Secretary and the State Minister presented bouquets to the artistes of both the countries.