This was conveyed by the 300-strong Bangladeshi delegation, which participated in an exhibition on converging technologies at Netaji Indoor Stadium today.

“We share a common cultural root. Though there is a physical divide, the mental bond still exists. A two-way cultural exchange will only nurture this,” said Moniruzzaman Moni, the leader of the team. The members believe that the cable operators in Kolkata are not keen on airing Bangladeshi channels despite the popularity of Bangladeshi shows here. “Our friends and acquaintances in West Bengal have told us that they enjoy the televised versions of Bangladeshi plays in Kolkata. But they complain that they do not get to watch them, except on rare occasions when regional channels in Kolkata air such programmes,” said Abdul Majed, another member.

The delegation, sponsored by 10 Bangladeshi channels, said the viewers would have plenty of options once the transmission is allowed. “There are no bindings from our side. The cable operators in Kolkata can easily downlink our channels,” added Majed.