Kathmandu: The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu hosted the Bangladesh Fish Festival 2025 today at its premises on November 28. It brings together Ambassadors/Heads of Missions and diplomats based in Kathmandu, senior officials from various Ministries of the Government of Nepal, business leaders, members of Think Tanks and civil society, managers and executives of the luxury hotels, members of the media and so on. The event was graced by the Acting Foreign Secretary of Nepal, Krishna Prasad Dhakal.
In his remarks as the Guest of Honour, Acting Foreign Secretary of Nepal, Dhakal, commended the initiative as an innovative one, noting that such events strengthen cultural bridges and contribute to enhancing economic, trade, and people-to-people ties between Nepal and Bangladesh. He mentioned that the bilateral collaboration between Nepal and Bangladesh is moving towards deeper engagements through increasing people-to- people contact, trade and transit and energy and investment. It has further prospects for expanding cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and food security between the two friendly nations.
In the welcome remarks, Ambassador Md Shafiqur Rahman briefly outlined Bangladesh’s rich and traditional fisheries sector, terming the festival as Bangladesh’s riverine heritage, where fish has long been a symbol of our culture, livelihood, social fabric and national identity. He attributed this historical tradition and heritage to the country’s unique geography and topography endowed with a thousand of rivers producing a wide variety of freshwater and sea fish. Referring to the global fame of Bangladeshi cuisine/ fishes for their taste, freshness, and delicacy, he pointed to the specialty of the rapidly growing fisheries sector with production of freshwater (inland open-water) fish, aquaculture, marine fish, and crustacean. He noted that the festival serves not only as a cultural celebration but also as an opportunity to deepen regional cooperation and expand business partnerships.
This festival showcased the diversity of Bangladesh’s fisheries sector. It was also meant to explore the growing market opportunities for Bangladeshi fish and seafood items in Nepal, given Nepal’s demand for high-quality marine products continues to rise. The festival also promoted Bangladesh’s expertise in aquaculture, sustainable fish farming, and seafood processing sectors where Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader. The festival may also act as a catalyst for increasing engagement between Nepali importers and hospitality businesses, and Bangladeshi fisheries exporters for deeper economic collaboration in the coming years.
At the festival, the guests were served with an exquisite selection of Bangladesh’s iconic freshwater and marine delicacies, prepared using traditional and contemporary culinary styles. The main attraction of the event was “Smoked Hilsha (boneless)” and “Mustard Hilsha” prepared by Bangladeshi Chefs. Visitors also relished flavorful Katla curry grilled lobster, and grilled red snapper. The Live counters for fried silver pomfret and shrimp tempura gained attention. The spread further included authentic curries made with long-whisked catfish and helicopter catfish, offering a fusion touch. Whole grilled Koral and a rich tiger prawn curry added to the diversity, reflecting Bangladesh’s rich fisheries heritage and culinary tradition.
As a prelude to this grand arrangement, the Embassy also hosted a display of the fish items; both fresh water fish and sea fishes on the 24th November 2025. The event was attended by a number of fish importers from Nepali hospitality sectors and fish importers from the business community.
For the festival, the Embassy premises was decorated with colourful posters from Bangladesh tourism board reflecting the rich cultural heritage and glorious tradition of the country’s endowments. The showcase also included posters of the heroic July mass-uprising reflecting Bangladesh’s onward movement towards a Bangladesh 2.0 with liberal democracy, human rights, fraternity and justice.
It is for the first time Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu organized such showcase event promoting Bangladeshi variety of fishes to the global community. The festival was attended by more than 150 guests and was well covered by the online, electronic and printing media of Nepal.
