Museums are living documents of history, identity: Minister

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury on Sunday said museums are not merely repositories of heritage, but living documents of human civilisation, history, culture and identity.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by Bangladesh National Museum marking International Museum Day 2026.

This year’s theme of the day was “Museums for Bridging Divided Worlds.”

The minister said museums play an important role in promoting social harmony, mutual understanding and global connectivity in a divided world.

A colourful rally was brought out in the morning from the Bangladesh National Museum premises. The procession marched through Shahbagh intersection and TSC area before ending at the museum compound.

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

Speaking at the programme, Nitai Roy Chowdhury stressed the need to modernise museums through digital archives, virtual exhibitions and interactive activities to make them more accessible and engaging for younger generations.

He also praised various galleries of the National Museum, particularly the Liberation War Gallery, saying it presents the history of the 1971 Liberation War vividly to the new generation.

Bangladesh National Museum Board of Trustees President architect Marina Tabassum chaired the programme.

Cultural Affairs State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayem, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information, Broadcasting and Culture Dr Zahed Ur Rahman and Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Mowla attended the event as special guests.

Bangladesh National Museum Director General Tanjim Wahab delivered the welcome speech, while museum secretary Md Sadekul Islam also spoke at the programme.

The discussion was followed by a cultural programme in the afternoon featuring performances by noted artistes.

Teachers, students, researchers, cultural personalities and visitors joined the daylong programmes at the museum premises.

AM