IUB and Norwegian Embassy sign agreement to support Ibsen-Fosse Festival

Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka have signed an agreement to support the “Henrik Ibsen and Jon Fosse Festival in Bangladesh”, an initiative aimed at promoting Norwegian literature, culture, and creative expression among Bangladeshi audiences.

The agreement was signed on June 21, 2026, at the Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka by Norwegian Ambassador Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen and IUB Vice Chancellor Prof. M Tamim.

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As a lead-up to Ibsen’s bicentennial in 2028, the festival, tentatively scheduled for October 2026, will focus on the works of Ibsen, one of Norway’s most influential playwrights, and Fosse, the Nobel Prize-winning Norwegian writer.

According to the agreement, the initiative seeks to increase awareness of their literary contributions, promote Norwegian cultural heritage and values, and encourage greater interest in Norwegian literature and creative expression. The festival will feature activities including a keynote technical session and theatre production.

The collaboration reflects a shared effort to create opportunities for cultural exchange through literature and performing arts, bringing the works and ideas of two globally recognised Norwegian literary figures to a wider audience in Bangladesh.

Ibsen (1828–1906) is regarded as one of the most influential playwrights in modern theatre, whose works explored social issues, individual freedom, and moral questions. His major plays include A Doll’s House, Ghosts, and Hedda Gabler. Fosse is among the most prominent contemporary Norwegian writers, known for his plays, novels, poetry, and distinctive literary style.