The British Council’s 'Our Shared Cultural Heritage’ (OSCH) project, in collaboration with CCD Bangladesh, Uronto Artist Community, University of Rajshahi and with the support of the Barendra Research Museum, successfully concluded its two-day 'Heritage Festival' at the picturesque Varendra Research Museum premises in Rajshahi on 14-15 October 2023.
The event was inaugurated by the distinguished presence of Md. Shahriar Alam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Tom Miscioscia, Director Bangladesh, British Council and Golam Shabbir Sattar, Vice-Chancellor, Rajshahi University was a grand celebration of the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of Rajshahi and Bangladesh.
Tom Miscioscia, Director Bangladesh, British Council, said, 'It is wonderful to be here for this festival in Rajshahi, which has much heritage to celebrate - from its historical artefacts and architecture to its food and mangoes. 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. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our partners for helping to make this project successful. I'm especially grateful to the young people for supporting the Varendra Research Museum and engaging the broader community in this celebration of Rajshahi heritagege'.
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.
Md. Shahriar Alam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and the event's chief guest said, “Rajshahi is blessed with so many cultural heritages and has every potential to be the division having the highest number of GI products. 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 interest of the youth of the CCD, Uronto and the British Council paved the way and showed us the path. Thanks for this great cooperation to initiate and implement this unique project”.
The festival was 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 special guest of the event, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, said, “I am delighted to visit Rajshahi, one of Bangladesh's greenest cities, on my first visit as the British High Commissioner and inaugurate the Heritage Festival in the city to celebrate the successful completion of the “Our Shared Cultural Heritage” project. 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'. 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.”
The festival was a dynamic platform for connecting heritage with the youth and the wider audience. It has contributed to fostering a deeper understanding of cultural preservation and promotion and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all who attended.
Golam Shabbir Sattar, Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University, presided over the inauguration programme. He said, 'The Varendra Research Museum is essential for preserving and understanding our 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.'
