The British Council held a two-day festival in Rajshahi celebrating Bangladesh’s rich heritage.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, British Council’s Director Tom Miscioscia, and Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Golam Shabbir Sattar were present.
The British Council runs “Our Shared Cultural Heritage” (OSCH) project which collaborated with CCD Bangladesh, Uronto Artist Community, University of Rajshahi to hold the “Heritage Festival” at the picturesque Varendra Research Museum premises on October 14-15, said a statement.
The festival showcased Rajshahi and Bangladesh’s historical and cultural wealth, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the region’s art, traditions, and history.
The central focus of the festival was to involve and inspire the youth. The event featured the works of 30 talented young individuals nurtured by the British Council in various creative sectors over the past two years.
“Through the Our Shared Cultural Heritage project, the British Council has explored new ways for museums and the heritage sector to work better with young people across South Asia and the UK,” Tom Miscioscia said.
State Minister Shahriar Alam thanked the organizers for the event.
“Rajshahi is blessed with so many cultural heritages and has every potential to be the division having the highest number of GI products,” he said.
“These are the pride of our country, and we must work together and invest more in this area to protect and promote our cultural heritage.”
The festival was also a vibrant platform for cultural expression and exchange.
It featured engaging discussions on heritage and culture, musical and dance performances, theatre performances, Puthi recitals, Gombhira, photography and painting exhibitions, and creative workshops.
Stalls displaying traditional products added a delightful touch to the experience.
The festival celebrated the region’s history and culture and aimed to instil a sense of responsibility in the youth for preserving Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage.
“The UK and Bangladesh have a deep partnership based on a long-shared history, culture and close people-to-people ties. And this project is a clear demonstration of the ‘Brit Bangla Bondhon’,” High Commissioner Sarah Cooke said.
“It was a pleasure to meet so many young people who are passionate about their community and to discuss the UK and Bangladesh’s historic links as well as the future of our partnership.”
RU Vice-Chancellor Golam Shabbir Sattar said Varendra Research Museum was essential for preserving and understanding the cultural heritage, advancing research, educating the public, and promoting cultural awareness.
“They help bridge the gap between the past and the present, providing a tangible link to collective history and diverse cultures, and we are emphasising preserving this museum and uplifting the essence of it,” he said.
