Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and the Embassy of China in Dhaka jointly organised a cultural event marking the Chinese New Year celebration in Dhaka.

The event titled "Happy Chinese New Year Wu Opera" was held at the National Theatre Hall auditorium on Tuesday night.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen, along with his spouse Li Yu, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, and BNP Standing Committee Member oDr Abdul Moyeen Khan attended the event and delivered speeches.

Around 800 attendees, including key figures from the Bangladesh government and various sectors, the Chinese community, representatives of China-funded enterprises, Confucius Institutes, international students, and media outlets from both China and Bangladesh, watched the performance live.

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In his speech, Adviser Farooki extended Chinese New Year greetings to the people of both nations and spoke highly of the event for injecting new vitality into Bangladesh's cultural communities, effectively promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Bangladesh.

“We know that Bangladesh has entered a new era. I would like to thank the Chinese government and the embassy and hope that through cultural exchanges, Bangladesh-China relations will reach a unique height in the coming days, bringing benefits to both countries culturally and economically,” said Farooki.

In his speech, Ambassador Yao highlighted the historical ties and geographical proximity between China and Bangladesh, which have fostered friendly exchanges for thousands of years. He noted that the Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival for the Chinese people and has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Wu Opera, as a treasure of China's intangible cultural heritage, represents an important facet of Chinese traditional cultural art. Ambassador Yao expressed hope that more Bangladeshi friends would experience the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese culture, making cultural exchanges between China and Bangladesh even more vibrant.

Yao also called for closer collaboration across various sectors in both countries to strengthen the bonds of friendship, contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity, and better build a community with a shared future for mankind.

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During the event, artists from the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Institute delivered stunning performances of Wu Opera classics such as "The Celestial Maiden Scattering Flowers" and "Monkey King Fights the White Bone Demon." The actors showcased delicate emotional expression, vigorous and bold martial arts, and a harmonious balance of strength and grace, leaving the audience in awe and receiving warm applause.

This performance also marked the beginning of the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Institute's "Happy Chinese New Year" tour. The troupe will host special performances and community performances for overseas Chinese citizens and for the faculty and students from the drama department of Dhaka University and the University of Chittagong in both Dhaka and Chattogram.