Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Julia Niblett has commended the importance of forums like Dhaka Lit Fest that give space for people, genres and communities to meet, interact, exchange ideas and intellectually engage each other.

She noted that it is in such spaces that creativity can flourish, and ideas can grow.

High Commissioner Niblett hosted a reception at the Australian High 
Commission for the Dhaka Lit Fest (DLF) 2019 on Sunday evening 3 to promote Australia’s support for and commitment to diverse arts and culture in Bangladesh.

The High Commission said partnerships such as these offer unique opportunities to foster mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people 
relationships between Australia and Bangladesh.

The reception was attended by representatives of the diplomatic community, members of  Bangladesh’s cultural community and Directors of the Dhaka Lit Fest.

The Australian High Commission is proud to continue its partnership with the Dhaka Lit Fest, said the High Commission on Monday.

As an event that showcases the works of Bangladeshis from diverse backgrounds, and brings writers and thinkers from all around the world to Bangladesh, the Dhaka Lit Fest embodies the values of respect for cultural diversity that Australia holds dear, it said.

Niblett welcomed Australian Zohab Zee Khan, a participant in this year’s 
Dhaka Lit Fest.

Khan is an educator, spoken word poet, and hip-hop artist, who was 
Australian  Poetry Slam Champion in 2014. 

He has performed around the world including throughout South Asia. 

Drawing on his personal experiences as a fourth generation Australian of South Asian heritage, Khan performed a number of works of poetry promoting the values of tolerance and inclusion.