Museums Are Living Testimonies of History, Culture, and Identity: Cultural Affairs Minister

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said that museums are not merely repositories of past heritage, but living testimonies of human civilization, history, culture, and identity. He emphasized that museums play a vital role in promoting social harmony, mutual understanding, and global connectivity in today’s divided world.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion organized by the Bangladesh National Museum on the occasion of International Museum Day 2026.

This year’s theme for International Museum Day was “Museums Bridging Divided Worlds.”

The day began with a colorful rally from the Bangladesh National Museum premises in the morning. The procession paraded through Shahbagh intersection and the TSC area before returning to the museum premises.

Later, the minister inaugurated a special exhibition titled “Agriculture and Nature in Civilization” at the Nalinikanta Bhattasali Exhibition Gallery of the National Museum. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until May 23.

The event was chaired by architect Marina Tabassum, President of the Bangladesh National Museum Board of Trustees. Special guests included State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information, Broadcasting and Culture Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, and Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mowla.

Director General of the National Museum, Tanzim Wahab, presided over the session, while Museum Secretary Md. Sadekul Islam delivered the welcome speech. The event was moderated by Asma Ferdousi, Keeper of the Public Education Department.

The Cultural Affairs Minister stressed the need to modernize museums through digital archives, virtual exhibitions, and interactive activities in the technology-driven era. He said such initiatives would help younger generations learn more deeply about their history and roots.

He also praised various galleries of the National Museum, particularly the Liberation War Gallery of 1971, saying it presents the history of Bangladesh’s independence in a vivid and engaging manner for the younger generation.

Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of preserving history and heritage, promoting social harmony and modernizing museums through various government initiatives.

The programme concluded with a cultural performance at the museum’s main auditorium featuring renowned artists of the country. The daylong celebration drew a large number of teachers, students, researchers, cultural personalities and visitors, creating a festive atmosphere across the museum premises.