Heritage Hub of Bangladesh

Bangladesh National Museum is an institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and displaying historical documents, archaeological artifacts, decorative arts, ethnological materials, and specimens of the natural heritage of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a country that boasts a rich history and tradition, which has been cherished for over 5000 years. The cultural heritage of the region shines with pride. It is not limited to archaeological monuments and tangible objects. Bangladesh is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with a diverse group of people. The diverse Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Bangladesh has enriched its culture. The sub-genre of this country's culture is vast, and many traditions are already lost. It is our responsibility to protect the existing traditions, including oral traditions and expressions, intangible cultural traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, and traditional crafts. All of these are usually inherited from our ancestors. Bangladesh has thousands of these intangible cultural elements.

The term ‘cultural heritage’ has changed considerably in recent decades, partially owing to the instruments developed by UNESCO. Previously, collections of monuments and objects were mainly called cultural heritage. But now, cultural heritage includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants. These include oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts. Intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalization. An understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities helps with intercultural dialogue and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life.

Bangladesh has signed the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) to protect the intangible cultural heritage spread across the country. Ministry of Cultural Affairs has signed a MoU with UNESCO-accredited NGO 'SADHONA'” here the Bangladesh National Museum is the leading agency to create the National Inventory of ICH on behalf of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Bangladesh National Museum has officially launched Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) national inventory on 30th Sep 2023 with 109 elements. The elements of ICH are scattered all over Bangladesh. However, efforts are being made to include these elements in the ICH national inventory. This inventory will create a complete list of components to help safeguard valuable elements. The Bangladesh National Museum and private institutions working on cultural issues can take various measures to protect and preserve these elements.