UNESCO
#Perspective / Traditions treasured, artisans in shadows: Is UNESCO's recognition truly benefiting local craftspeople?
On 6 December 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inclusion of Bangladesh's iconic rickshaws and rickshaw art on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Similarly, many of our heritage crafts, namely the traditional art of Jamdani and Shital Pati weaving were given recognition by UNESCO in 2013 and 2017 respectively. But how are our artisans doing?
Bangladeshi descent Mohammad Aminul Islam awarded the Medal of Good Citizenship in Canada
Recently, the Canadian province of British Columbia has honoured 21 individuals with the Medal of Good Citizenship for their outstanding contributions to community life. Among these distinguished recipients is Mohammad Aminul Islam, a Surrey resident of Bangladeshi descent, whose commitment to promoting mother languages and fostering community spirit has been recognised and celebrated.
Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: Still a long way to go?
Recognising the cultural construct of the state, Lubna Marium emphasises that any threat to culture hampers societal progress, national unity, and diversity. To address this, she has spearheaded the establishment of a comprehensive Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory (ICH) through Shadhona.
Halum and Tisha team up for Int'l Tiger Day
Beloved "Sisimpur" character Halum will star alongside Nusrat Imrose Tisha in an educational YouTube video.
United in diversity
The United Nations country office congratulates Bangladesh on International Mother Language Day
Three UNESCO heritage sites of Bangladesh to be highlighted by ‘Sisimpur’
UNESCO and Sesame Workshop have come together to create a video documentary on three world heritage sites of Bangladesh, namely: The Mosque City of Bagerhat, Sundarbans, and Paharpur’s Buddhist monastery. Today at the UNESCO Dhaka Office, Dr Susan Vize, Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO Dhaka and Mohammad Shah Alam, Country Managing Director of Sesame Workshop signed an agreement concerning this joint initiative.
Jamdani: Its heritage and recognition in the world map
Jamdani is a fine muslin fabric originated in Bangladesh, not very new in the global map. The opulence of jamdani design not only makes it a technical marvel but also guarantees its omnipotence in the handloom industry, no machine could ever surpass its richness. The much appreciated and cherished art of Jamdani weaving of Bangladesh has been duly recognised by UNESCO as the intangible cultural heritage in 2013. It is at the same time a recognition for the weavers.
Children's books on traditional games launched by Unesco, The Asia Foundation
The Asia Foundation in Bangladesh and Unesco Dhaka Office joined forces to produce and disseminate books and reading materials focused on cultural heritage of Bangladesh, and to promote reading among children and youths.
Positive policies helping Bangladesh move towards inclusion in education: UNESCO
Bangladesh has taken many positive initiatives towards inclusion in education but needs to do more in removing remaining barriers, says a new global report.
US withdraws from UN's cultural agency Unesco
The United States announces it is going to withdraw from Unesco, the UN's cultural and educational agency, complaining about how it is run and about what Washington described as bias against Israel.
Tackling the learning deficit
Our society has quantified the education process so enthusiastically that we have forgotten to consider the risks of the regressive models of rote memorisation and lack of conceptualisa-tion across almost all subjects being taught at public schools.
Govt to go ahead with Rampal work
The government would go ahead with the construction of Rampal power plant near the Sundarbans and take measures to mitigate adverse effects, if necessary, upon the strategic environmental assessment (SEA).
Did UNESCO really “endorse” Rampal coal plant?
A draft resolution adopted as amended by the 41st Session of the UNESCO Heritage Committee contradicts the claim made by the foreign ministry that the Committee “endorsed” the construction of a coal-based power plant at Rampal near the Sundarbans.
BNP trashes govt’s claim of Unesco’s objection withdrawal
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleges that the government is 'deceiving' people by carrying out a propaganda saying that Unesco has lifted its objection to Rampal power station near the Sundarbans.
Rampal Power Plant: Govt to comply with Unesco conditions
The government would fulfil the conditions set by Unesco for implementing the Rampal power plant project near the Sundarbans, two ministers told The Daily Star yesterday.
Rampal Project: Unesco ‘lifts objection’
The World Heritage Committee of Unesco has withdrawn its objection to the setting up of Rampal power plant at its current site near
Education a mirage for them
There are about 10 million out-of-school children, adolescents and youths in Bangladesh, says a new Unesco policy paper.
Rampal Power Plant: Myths debunked
The critics of Rampal include environmentalists, scientists and experts. Yet, the defence for the power plant has remained the same. But, under scrutiny, how do these claims, meant to relieve us of our fears about the potential risks of the power plant, hold?
No suspension of Rampal project despite Unesco advice: Nasrul
The construction work of Rampal power plant will not be suspended despite Unesco's advice, State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid says.
