“They are now culturally integrated here. Many chefs in the top Italian restaurants are from Bangladesh,” Prof Yunus said.

Mayor Gualtieri also commended the Bangladeshi diaspora for their positive role in Rome’s multicultural landscape, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

He warmly welcomed Prof Yunus to his office, located amidst the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire, dating back to the era of Julius Caesar.

From his balcony, he offered the Chief Adviser a brief tour of the historic Roman Senate and surrounding archaeological sites.

The Mayor also presented a commemorative plaque to Prof Muhammad Yunus during a meeting at his office.

The plaque features a carved image of the Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius and has recently been gifted to several world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

During their bilateral meeting, the two leaders underscored the importance of strengthening cultural ties between Rome and Bangladesh, especially considering the presence of over 50,000 Bangladeshi nationals living in the Italian capital.