UNESCO Launches Cultural Exhibition Showcasing National Action Plan to Safeguard Bangladesh’s Heritage and Creative Industries

The exhibition at the UN House in Dhaka introduces a national action plan and highlights efforts to safeguard Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and creative industries, with support from UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund.

UNESCO Dhaka has launched a cultural exhibition marking the introduction of a National Action Plan to strengthen the protection, recovery, and long-term resilience of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and creative industries. Held on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the United Nations House in Gulshan, the exhibition brings together documentation, research findings, and community narratives. It highlights Bangladesh’s rich cultural diversity while showcasing UNESCO’s efforts to support preparedness, recovery, and resilience in the culture sector during times of crisis and disruption. The initiative was implemented with support from UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF). 

Speaking at the opening, Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, emphasized the critical role of culture in social cohesion and recovery. “Cultural heritage and creative communities are central to Bangladesh’s identity and resilience,” she said. “This initiative reflects UNESCO’s commitment to supporting systems, knowledge, and partnerships that help safeguard culture and strengthen preparedness for future challenges.” 

The exhibition was also graced by Mr. Federico Zamparelli, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Italy in Dhaka. He said, “Many traditional art forms and crafts are increasingly at risk as artists and artisans struggle to sustain their livelihoods. Safeguarding cultural heritage therefore also means caring for the people behind these traditions and ensuring they receive the support needed to continue their work.” 

Through the HEF, an evidence-based understanding was developed of how tangible heritage, intangible cultural heritage, and creative and cultural industries can be better safeguarded and protected during emergencies, crises, and other disruptive situations. The project included rapid assessments across these three areas, documentation of heritage and creative practices, national consultations with key stakeholders, and a public awareness campaign highlighting the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage. 

Kizzy Tahnin, Head of Culture at UNESCO Dhaka, noted that the Action Plan builds directly on assessment findings and stakeholder consultations. “This Action Plan is grounded in the realities faced by cultural institutions, practitioners, and communities,” she said. “It outlines practical measures for immediate recovery while also strengthening preparedness and coordination to protect heritage and creative industries in the long term.” 

Special guest Jaya Ahsan, actor and producer, underscored the importance of safeguarding cultural spaces and creative expression. “Heritage and creativity are not abstract ideas; they shape people’s lives, livelihoods, and sense of belonging. Protecting them is essential for any society moving forward after a period of disruption,” she said. 

The exhibition also presented the Traditional Saree Weaving Art of Tangail, newly inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It further featured UNESCO’s photographic documentation of heritage and creative industries, a dedicated section on Old Dhaka’s cultural heritage through video storytelling and displays highlighting Bangladesh’s internationally recognised heritage elements and community heritage stories. Distinguished professionals, cultural practitioners, and relevant stakeholders participated in the exhibition. 

This activity was supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund. We wish to thank its donors: the Principality of Andorra, Canada, the Republic of Estonia, the French Republic, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,  the Principality of Monaco, the Kingdom of the Netherlands,  the Kingdom of Norway, the Republic of Poland, the Qatar Fund for Development, the Republic of Serbia, the Slovak Republic, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and ANA Holdings INC.