KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 30 The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu on Friday hosted the Bangladesh Fish Festival 2025, bringing together diplomats, government officials, business leaders, hospitality professionals, and members of civil society for a grand showcase of Bangladeshi freshwater and marine delicacies. Acting Foreign Secretary of Nepal, Krishna Prasad Dhakal, attended the event as Guest of Honour. Commending the initiative as 'innovative,' he said such programs strengthen cultural bridges and support expanding cooperation in trade, transit, investment, fisheries, aquaculture, and food security between Nepal and Bangladesh. The event began with the national anthems of both countries, followed by welcome remarks from Ambassador Md Shafiqur Rahman. Highlighting Bangladesh's rich riverine heritage, he described fish as an integral part of the country's identity, culture, and livelihood. He noted Bangladesh's global reputation for high-quality freshwater and marine fish, as well as its growing success in aquaculture and sustainable fisheries. The festival, he said, aimed not only to celebrate culture but also to deepen regional cooperation and business partnerships. The festival showcased a diverse range of Bangladeshi fish and seafood products, with the goal of exploring new market opportunities in Nepal, where demand for quality marine products is rising. It also sought to connect Nepali hospitality businesses and importers with Bangladeshi fisheries exporters to boost bilateral economic engagement. Guests were served a wide selection of traditional and contemporary dishes, including Smoked Hilsha (boneless), Mustard Hilsha, Katla curry, grilled lobster, grilled red snapper, fried silver pomfret, shrimp tempura, whole grilled Koral, and tiger prawn curry-reflecting Bangladesh's rich fisheries and culinary tradition. Ahead of the main event, the embassy had also organized a display of fish varieties on November 24 for Nepali importers and hospitality representatives. The festival venue was decorated with posters from the Bangladesh Tourism Board and visuals highlighting the country's cultural heritage and recent political developments. According to the embassy, this is the first time such a fisheries-focused event has been organized in Kathmandu. More than 150 guests attended the festival, it added.