KATHMANDU: The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu organised a Bangladesh Fish Festival at the embassy premises in Kathmandu on Friday, showcasing the country’s rich riverine heritage and centuries-old culinary traditions.

According to the embassy, the festival was held to celebrate Bangladesh’s millennia-old culture, in which fish has long been a symbol of identity, livelihood and national pride.

Bangladesh is known as the world’s largest delta, formed by the confluence of three great rivers — the Ganges, Brahmaputra/Jamuna and Meghna — which together drain thousands of waterways flowing from the Himalayan and Hindu Kush ranges into the Bay of Bengal. This unique landscape, coupled with the world’s longest unbroken sea beach, has endowed Bangladesh with an exceptional diversity of freshwater and marine fish.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Md Shafiqur Rahman highlighted the country’s global standing in fisheries production. He added that Bangladesh ranks second in freshwater fish production, fifth in aquaculture, 15th in marine fisheries and eighth in crustacean farming.

“Fish has been more than food to the Bengali people — it is intertwined with cultural identity and heritage,” Ambassador Rahman said. “From the delicate aroma of the iconic Hilsa, to the rich texture of Rui, Katla and Kora, and the celebrated flavours of our lobster, tiger prawn, red snapper and Rupchanda, Bangladeshi cuisine reflects both nature’s bounty and centuries of culinary tradition.”

He added that the festival served as a testament to the shared appreciation between Bangladesh and Nepal for vibrant cultures, diverse ecosystems and the communities that sustain them.

Participants of the festival were treated to a curated selection of Bangladesh’s finest freshwater and sea fish dishes.

Acting Foreign Secretary Krishna Prasad Dhakal attended the event as the Chief Guest. Heads of diplomatic missions, government officials, business leaders, members of think tanks, media representatives and members of the Bangladeshi community in Kathmandu were also present on the occasion.