Kathmandu : Bangladesh Embassy, Kathmandu today hosted "Bangladesh Mango Delicacy " a mango festival with Bangladeshi late variety mangoes at UTSAV Kunja, a grand Banquet Hall in Kathmandu।. The event celebrated the rich heritage, exceptional quality, and diverse flavors of Bangladeshi mangoes and promoted Bangladesh's growing potential in the export of fresh fruits and value-added agro-products.

Ambassador Md Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of the SAARC Secretariat graced the occasion as Guest of Honour and Ambassador  Gahendra Rajbhandari, Joint Secretary of South Asia Division of Foreign Ministry of Nepal, joined the event as Special Guest on behalf of the Foreign Secretary of Nepal. The event was widely attended by the members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Government of Nepal, representatives of the business community, leading importers, members of the media, and other invited guests.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Md Shafiqur Rahman highlighted Bangladesh's recent achievements in the agriculture and agro-processing sector.  He mentioned that mango, in Bangladesh, is more than a fruit- it is an integral part of our culture, heritage, tradition and agronomy. Recalling anecdotes from history of the greater sub-continent during the Mughal Empire, he added that Bangladesh is home to some of the world's finest mangoes, cultivated in the country's fertile alluvial plains under favorable climatic conditions. He noted that renowned varieties such as Khirsapat (Himsagar), Haribhanga, Langra, Fazli, Gopalbhog, Amrapali, Ashwina, Banana Mango, Katimon, Gauramoti, and BARI Mangos are widely appreciated for their exceptional sweetness, distinctive aroma, superior quality, and nutritional value.

The Ambassador highlighted that Bangladeshi scientists and researchers made outstanding contributions to the development of a good variety of late season mangoes namely BARI and some non-indigenous variety from foreign origin. He also lauded the thriving business sectors for developing a dynamic mango-processing industry, producing a wide range of premium value-added products, including mango juice, nectar, pulp, jams, pickles, chutneys, dried mangoes, candies, fruit bars, and desserts that comply with global quality & food safety standards.

Focusing on the heritage and delicacy of different varieties of mangoes from the South Asia, Ambassador Golam Sarwar deplored that despite potentials, export of mangoes and processed products to the international markets from the region are minimal. He lauded the Embassy for hosting such events and urged member states to extend collaboration on agricultural sector. Amb Gahendra Rajbhandari, special guest from the Nepali Foreign Ministry, appreciated and extended thanks to the Embassy for arranging such initiative showcasing not only the warmth and hospitality but also sincerely bridging peoples across different sectors between the two friendly countries. Complementing the innovative initiative of the Ambassador of Bangladesh branding mango diplomacy, he stressed on the need to forge further engagements to open the channels of warmth and friendship amidst diplomatic complexities of the recent times.

The exhibition featured an impressive display of fresh Bangladeshi mangoes alongside an extensive collection of processed mango products, providing guests with an opportunity to experience the unique taste, diversity, and culinary richness of Bangladesh. The visitors from different sectors of the society got a new orientation and insights regarding Bangladesh's advance in modern horticulture, sustainable agriculture, and food processing technologies.

In the event, a mango farmer from Bangladesh, Mr. Rofiqul Islam, presented the method of special GAP-compliant mango cultivation in Bangladesh and his experiences of producing mangoes over 15 years. He shared some best practices from his experiences regarding the mango cultivation in compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) under the supervision of Bangladesh Agriculture Extension Department.

The event was not only a celebration of Bangladesh's agricultural excellence but also an initiative to strengthen economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Nepal. The event aimed to create greater awareness among Nepali consumers and encourage business partnerships between exporters and importers of both countries, thereby expanding bilateral trade in agricultural and processed food products. The guests appreciated the exceptional flavour, quality, and diversity of Bangladeshi mangoes. 

The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between Bangladesh and Nepal and expressed confidence that initiatives such as "Bangladesh Mango Delicacy" would further strengthen the longstanding friendship and mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.

At the festival hall, different varieties of late-season mangoes from Rajshahi like Fazli, Amrapali, Bari-4, Katimon, Gauramoti, Ashina etc. were displayed for visitors. Some processed items from Mango including mango juice, pickles, bars, dry-mango, chatney, jam and jelli products from Bangladeshi brand companies were also showcased. Still, some dessert variety from mango including different cakes from mango, sticky-rice mango, mango pudding, etc. were served to the guests. Few documentaries were also screened featuring mango cultivation in Bangladesh, and highlighting culture and tourism industry including the Beautiful Bangladesh.

Some 250 visitors including the fruit businessmen, traders, chamber bodies attended the event. The guests were entertained with a traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.