Course No.

Course Name-

Assignment Name- Bangladesh Cultural Development

Submitted to-

Lecturer
School of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Victoria university of Bangladesh
Submitted By-

ID-
Batch- th
Submission Date-10th May, 2009
Bangladesh Cultural Development
THE CULTURE
The word of Culture is derived from Latin word of Cultural meaning is the soil. The social
scientists, therefore, used the term for a people’s whole way of life. In everyday
conversation, the word of Culture may refer to activities in such fields as art, literature
and music. It includes arts, beliefs, customs, innovations, language, technology and
traditions. Tyler, the renowned social scientist, defined culture as "that complex whole,
which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and other capabilities and
habits acquired by man as a member of society".
UNESCO, in its World Conference on cultural Policies, held in Mexico City in 1982,
states "that the notion of culture is generally taken in its broadest sense, as covering all
the distinctive spiritual and material, intellectual and emotional features characterizing a
society or social group."

Culture of Bangladesh:
Culture is the mirror of a nation. To know about a nation one has first to know about its
culture and its people. The culture of Bangladesh finds its rudiments in the society of its
original Austric people. Later, with the influx of alien races of different creed and culture,
added more elements to it, and thereby enriched and improved its standard. Religious
belief of the rulers of different dynasties also played a great role in the formation and
development of the culture of this soil. The Buddhist influence in the Pala period (750-
1160 A.D), the Hindu influence in the Sena Period (1095-1205 A.D) and the Muslim
influence in the Sultani and Mughal period (1205-1757 A.D) are of great importance.
However, the culture of Bangladesh assimilated all the acceptable elements during its
long process of development, and thus, took its final shape in the secular character after
the Liberation War of 1971. A number of tribal culture also flourish in the country which
introduced an element of diversity to the national character.
These para-national formations have been subsumed under the national culture, and
are, a source of its pride and strength.

The Bangalee Social life:

The majority of the Bangalee nation are farmer. They are 68.5% of the total population.
79.5% people live in 68000 villages. They are simple, courteous and hospitable. They
live in joined families. The family bondage is holly and effective. The old member of the
family is most honoured. His all sorts of maintenance are borne by the young members
till his death.

Food:
Rice is the staple food of the Bangalee people. Fish, lentils and vegetables constitute
main curry. Different kinds of cakes and sweetmeats are prepared in different seasons
and festivals, particularly at the time of new harvest Nabanna. As per their taste, the
cakes are moulded into shapes of birds, fishes, kites, wheels, moon, star, horses, cows
etc. Other dehydrated and preserved food stuffs are also prepared according to crops
cycles of different grains and are accompanied with ceremonies and songs of the
season.

Dress and ornament:

The dress and costumes are extensively varied. Cotton lungi and a jersey called ‘Kurta’
are the common attire for men in the rural areas, as opposed to shirts, trousers and
pajamas in the urban areas. Saree is women’s universal dress. In ancient time
ornaments were used by both men and women. But now, men do not wear ornaments; it
is lavishly used by women only. Each and every limbs of the body like head, hair, ear,
nose, throat, arm, wrist, finger, waist, ankle, toe etc. has its own particular ornament
which sometimes varies in shapes and sizes. Man cut their hair short, but women do not
cut it. Long hair is the object of pride and beauty for women. Bangalee women are very
shy. They covers their whole body with the Saree. Even head and face are also covered
by its skirts called ‘Ghumta’. The wives are dedicated in the service and nursing of their
husbands

Festival:
The Bangalee life, once, was full of festivals. In ancient and medieval period till the
arrival of the British, the people had economic solvency and leisure time. So, they used
to spend their leisure in merrymaking and festivals. Their festivals are of two characters,
viz. (a) Secular and (b) Religious. Bangladesh being an agricultural country majority of
the population of all religions are engaged either in direct cultivation or related
professions. So, "Nabanno" or the new harvest is the earliest festival of the country. It is
secular and common to all. Among other secular festivals ‘Pahela Baisakh’ (the Bangla
new Year?s day), the Independence Day (26th March), the Victory Day (16th December)
and the historic Language Martyr?s Day (21st February) are famous, when the entire
people join in celebration with great elate and fervour. Of the religious festivals the Eid-
ul-Fitr, the Eid-ul-Azha, Muharram, Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Qudar and Eid-e-Milad-un-
nabi are observed by the Muslims. The Hindus observe Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Sarasvati
Puja, Janmasthami and so on, the Buddhists, the Buddha Purnima and the Christians,
the Christmas Day (25th December). Social customs like marriage ceremony and funeral
rites are also observed by the people according to their own religious system

Dance:
Dancing in Bangladesh draws freely on the subcontinental classical forms as well as the
folk, tribal, ballet and middle-eastern strains. Of the tribal dances, particularly popular
are, ‘Manipuri’ and ‘Santal’. Bulbul Lalitkala Academy, set up in Dhaka in the early 1950s
played a pioneering role in the promotion of dancing in the country.

Music:
The music of Bangladesh has developed through centuries along the three main
streams viz., folk, modern and classical. Folk music is the music of the native soil and
the heart of its people. It has been nurtured through ages by the village minstrels and
bards. With sweet melodies and touching words of love, tragedy and devotional
mysticism, folk music is the most popular form of music in Bangladesh. The best known
form are bhatiali, bowl, jaari, shaari, gambhira, marfati and murshidi. In this, we find
ballads on the hopes and aspirations, love and entrancement, happiness and sorrow of
simple robust masses. Lalan Fakir, Hason Raja, Abbasuddin and Abdul Alim are the
greatest names in the country’s folk music. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and
rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam were the pioneers of modern Bangla music. Rabindranath
initiated a blend of East and West and Nazrul experimented with the synthesis of
classical folk and middle eastern strains. The contemporary adherents of both the
schools have been widening their depth and
vista with new experiments which include not only compositions but also instruments.
Bangladesh shares the rich tradition of classical music of this subcontinent. The country
produced many musicians and maestros of international repute like Ustad Alauddin
khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Ustad Ayet Ali Khan in the field of classical music.

Drama:
Drama is also one of the important means of recreation in Bangladesh. There are two
kinds of theatres in our country-viz. Jatra and theatre. Jatra is the folk theatre. It is
extremely popular in the villages of Bangladesh as well as amongst common people
living in the urban areas. Winter is the best season for jatra, when performances of
mythological or historical plays and social melodramas interspersed with interludes of
dances and songs are presented, often through the whole night. In Bangladesh, theatre
got a new lease of life after the independence of the country in 1971. Though almost all
plays are staged in Bangla, the range of play rights is varied from local stalwarts to
Brecht or Sophocles.

Sports:
Sports is one of the best sorts of amusement. It is an inherent hobby of all men and
women from their childhood. Many of the games make a man healthy, smart and stout.
Each country has its own indigenous games played by its people that suits its climate
and culture. It is of two kinds --in-door and out-door. Ha-do-do (kabadi), dariabandha,
ekka-dokka, kanamachi etc. are the indigenous and local games. As this country is full of
rivers, people’s chief transport is nauka (boat). Nauka-baich (boat race), therefore,
developed as one of the important sports in the country. With the passing of times the
educated people of the country are also adopting the international sports like Football,
Volleyball, Badminton, Cricket and Hockey.

Fine Art:
The origin of the modern trend of Bangladesh art can be traced to the foundation of the
Arts and Crafts Institute in the late 1940s by Zainul Abedin, Anwarul Haque, Quamrul
Hasan, Shafiuddin Ahmed and others. Trained in Calcutta and conversant with the all
Indian style, they were gifted enough to initiate a unique style and legacy blending
modern Art forms with traditional folk rhythms. Later, artists with their modernist style
enriched our art. Rashid Chowdhury's tapestries and S. M. Sultan’s primitive
articulations are internationally recognized

Handicrafts:
In handicrafts the Bangladeshi craftsmen of both the sex excelled in the medieval period.
Stone and wood carving, ivory works, pottery, weaving of Muslin and Jamdani textiles,
metal works, Jute & cane works, repousse or filigree works, nakshi kantha (embroidered
quilt) -- all are its best examples. In seventeenth and eighteenth centuries these objects
were exported in Europe, Africa and other parts of Asia. During the British rule, this
traditional works were discouraged. So, it was going to disappear from the country. But
after the Liberation these works have been revived and revitalized.

Art Heritage :
The historical objects and art heritage of Bangladesh bear testimony to art and culture
prevailing in this country since its earliest time down to the present period. Ancient
monuments, sculptures, terra-cotta plaques, copper-plates, stone inscriptions, coins,
arms and armours, decorative art The Department of Archaeology and Museums is
going on excavating sites of ancient civilization and is getting objects of Arts of different
branches. These objects are collected, preserved and exhibited in a number of
museums of the country. These objects of art and culture were made by the indigenous
artisans of this country. They reflect the picture of the contemporary society of our
people.

Cinema :
Cinema is the major and most popular form of mass entertainment. The first feature film
was made in 1956. But the foundation of the film industry was, however, laid three years
later when a full fledged film studio under Film Development Corporation was set up by
the Government. This studio is now equipped with the latest equipments. One can
operate all sorts of modern cinematic technology here. To encourage quality film making,
the Government has introduced national film awards and set up an institute of Film
Archive. A Film institute has also been established recently to provide formal training to
the students of film making. "Surjo Dighal Bari" and "Dahan" are two internationally
acclaimed films.

Literature :
Bangla, the language of 95% of the people, originated from the Eastern Group of Indo-
Aryan family of languages in the 7th century. Devotional literature with lyrical overtones
formed its basis in the middle ages. Just as charyapad, an anthology of Buddhist
mystical songs is its earliest
reference, and the Muslim devotional literature of Daulat Kazi and Alaol form the higher
peaks. In the early stages poetry was the only medium of literature. In the eighteenth
century the prose was started and thereby novel and drama came into being. Michael
Madhusudan Dutta, Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam are renowned figures in
Bangla literature. Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel prize in literature. His song is our
national anthem. Kazi Nazrul Islam is our national poet.

Facilities and Institutions :

For proper control and administration of the above mentioned institutions and
organizations, the Government of Bangladesh has set up several Ministries. Each
Ministry look after the activities of the institutions placed under it. The names of these
Ministries along with the institutions placed under each of them have been discussed
below in a nutshell.

Ministry of Cultural Affairs :

A. GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS

Department of Archaeology and Museums :

During the British rule in Indian Subcontinent, the Archaeological Survey of India, was set up.
After 1947, its branches in Pakistani part, was named as the Department of Archaeology of
Pakistan. Its head office was in West Pakistan with a branch office in Dhaka, the then provincial
capital of East preservation and presentation of historical monuments and maintenance of
Archeological museums and sites. It imparts visual education to students, teachers and other
visitors about our past and provides most valuable materials to scholars and historians for the
reconstruction of our history.

Functions :

The broad function of the Department of Archaeology and Museums are as under :
(a) Preservation of the National Cultural Heritage.
(b) Protection of ancient monuments as per Antiquities Act of 1968.
(c) Maintenance, conservation and repair of ?Protected? sites and monuments all over
the country as per Archaeological Works Code.
(d) Planning of exploration and excavation.
(e) Exploration and excavation of ancient sites as per pre-planned programme.
(f) Decipherment and study of ancient epigraphic records including stone inscriptions,
copper plates, coins and manuscripts in Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian.
(g) Planning, establishment and maintenance of museum for the preservation and
presentation of movable cultural antiquities.
(h) Control and regulation of antiquities as per Antiquity Act. of 1968.
(i) Publications of books, brochures, guide books, view cards and other publicity
materials for the presentation of our cultural heritage with a view to provide most
reliable information to National and International scholars devoted to the study and
reconstruction of our history.
(j) Systematic and exhaustive survey for preparing a complete documentation of all
protected and unprotected mosques and monuments of historical and cultural
importance.
(k) Collection of antiquities and their study and research.
(l) Maintenance of a specialised library.
(m) Research on our cultural heritage.
(n) Chemical treatment of ancient monuments and other movable antiquities discovered
in excavation of ancient sites or otherwise, and those in the museums.
(o) Co-ordination of the UNESCO Missions activities for the restoration and preservation
of our national heritage.
(p) Liaison between Administrative Ministry and other Educational Institutions including
Universities and other autonomous museums.
3.2.1.2. National Archives of Bangladesh:
The history of National Archives in Bangladesh can be traced from the British rule in the
sub-continent. During that time, the secretariat administration with new Ministries started
functioning resulting in the opening of new departments and offices. As a result, the
Imperial Record Department was established in Calcutta in 1891 to create a central
repository of Secretarial files and records after destroying the useless ones. It was, later
on, transferred to Delhi and was named as National Archives of India. After the partition
of India in 1947 the National Archives of Pakistan was established in Karachi in 1951
under the Directorate of Archives and Libraries and after the Liberation of Bangladesh
from Pakistani domination in 1971 the Government of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh established National Archives of Bangladesh in 1973 in Dhaka under the
Department of Archives & Libraries. The Government of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh has promulgated the National Archives Ordinance, 1983 to provide for the
establishment of National Archives for the collection, preservation, maintenance and
administration of permanent records and archives of the Government. The Government
has also constituted a 13-member National Archives Advisory Council consisting of
representatives from different Ministries and Universities to advise the Government on
all matters relating to location, preservation and use of public archives.
The Functions of the National Archives are :
(a) Preservation and maintenance of Government records.
(b) Acquisition and preservation of private collections.
(c) Acquisition of Government printed materials/ publications, newspapers and
periodicals and their maintenance.
(d) Maintenance of Archives Library for use by research scholars.
(e) Publication of finding aids relating to the material available in Archives.
(f) As a member of the International Council on Archives, the National Archives has to
keep liaison with foreign institutions/organizations who are members of the
International Council on Archives.
(g) Advisory services to the different government and private institutions in conservation
and restoration of documents of historical importance.
(h) Reference services to visiting research scholars from within the country and abroad
in connection with their research projects.
(i) Implementation of the National Archives Ordinance, 1983.
3.2.1.3. Copyright Office, Dhaka :
Copyright office is a quasi-judicial attached Department of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs
under the Government. It is established under the Copyright Ordinance, 1962, as
amended upto 1978 (Ordinance No. XXXIV of 1962).
The functions of the office are :
(a) Registration of copyright in literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, cinematographic and
architectural works, records and broadcast ;
(b) Granting license for performing a work in public or communicating to the public by
Radio or Television etc.
(c) Granting license to republish any work under the different categories mentioned
above.
(d) Granting license for producing and publishing translation of a literary or dramatic
work in any language.
(e) Prevention of importation of infringing copies of any copyrighted works.
(f) Determining royalting in respect of publications of literary, dramatic or musical works
etc. and or their communications to the public.
(g) Control over performing Rights Societies in respect of all fees, charges or royalties
which such societies may propose to collect for the performance in public of works in
respect of which they have authority to grant such licenses.
(h) Exercising the powers conferred upon and perform the duties under the Ordinance.
(i) Provision for the Secretariat for and execution of various decisions and deliberations
of the Copyright Board constituted under Section 45 of the Government Copyright
Ordinance, 1962. The Copyright Board has certain powers of Civil Court in deciding
any disputed case coming before it under
(j) Maintaining liaison with International Bodies like UNESCO and WIPO, Bangladesh
has acceded to be UCC of UNESCO and is likely to accede to Berne Convention and
it is incumbent upon the Copyright office to discharge, in due course, all duties and
responsibilities in respect of international commitments arising out of the said
membership.
(k) Hearing and adjudication of disputed cases on registration of copyright and any other
disputes related thereto.
(l) Tendering advice to the Government for amendment and improvement of Copyright
Laws in the line of International standard.
(m) Discharging function of the National Copyright Information Centre in collaboration
with the International Copyrighted Information Centre (ICIC).
(n) Preserving Copyright works after registration.
(o) All administrative works.
Copyright Board’s Function :
(p) Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him
(q) Requiring the discovery and production of any document.
(r) Receiving evidence on affidavits.
(s) Issuing commission for the examination of witness or documents.
(t) Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court of office.
(u) Any other matter of procedure which may be prescribed.
3.2.1.4. Department of Public Library :
In order to provide reading facilities to all sections of general public, the then
Government of Pakistan established a Central Public Library in Dhaka in late Fifties. Two
more institutions viz., (a) Pakistan council and (b) Bureau of National Reconstruction
(BNR) were also established for the same purpose in Dhaka in the Sixties. After the
independence of the country in 1971, the latter two institutions were merged together
under a new name Bangladesh Parishad. In 1982 the Government again merged this
Bangladesh Parishad with the Central Public Library and reorganised the Library
services into a Department. The newly reorganized Department of the Public Library will
have the following Libraries under its administrative control.
(a) Central Public Library in Dhaka.
(b) Divisional Public Libraries at Divisional head quarters.
(c) District Public Libraries at District head quarters.
The Broad functions of the Department of Public Library are as under :
(a) To provide reading facilities for all classes of readers.
(b) To act primarily as a Reference Library with :
(i) General reading rooms.
(ii) Special reading room for ladies.
(iii) Periodical room.
(iv) Research room.
(v) Manuscript room.
(c) To build up and maintain a comprehensive book collection as varied as possible with
special emphasis on text and reference books.
(d) To build up and maintain adequate stock of books of Juvenile interest with
arrangement for circulation through Juvenile Libraries situated in different residential
areas of the city.
(e) To function as a cultural centre with a carefully designed programme of extension
lectures, exhibitions etc. so as to create and foster intellectual interest and reading
habit among the general public.
(f) To shoulder responsibilities of reorganization and development of Public Libraries in
the country.
(g) To provide advisory service and reference service to the public in general.
(h) To provide research and reference service to Scholars and to Government
Departments.
(i) To organize country wide literary competition with a view to find new talents in the
literary field.
B. AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS
3.2.1.5. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (National Academy of Performing and
Fine Arts) :
The main branches of the culture of Bangladesh are Performing and Fine Arts. They are
distinctive with their special features. They play an important role in the national life of
the people. Preservation, promotion and cultivation of these branches of culture are
necessary to maintain the continuation of traditional culture of the country. But no
serious attempt was undertaken by the Government in the pre-independence days. After
the Liberation of the country in 1971, its urgency was seriously realized. However, in
1974 the Government of the People?s Republic of Bangladesh set up this academy by
the Act No. XXX, to encourage and promote the growth and development of Fine Arts
and national culture, and to provide for connected purpose. The Act was finally modified
on 31 May, 1989 with necessary changes. The Academy is an autonomous institution
administered by a 21-member "parishad" (council) to be constituted by the Government.
Its chairman is the Hon?ble Minister in-charge of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs,
Government of the People?s Republic of Bangladesh.
Its functions are :
(a) Encouraging and promoting the growth and development of our national culture and
Fine Arts.
(b) Arranging for research on traditional and contemporary national culture and Fine Arts.
(c) Rendering Financial help to meritorious and creative artistes.
(d) Granting recognition and affiliation to related institutions.
(e) Offering financial assistance to the affiliated institutions and organizations engaged in
the promotion of cultural activities.
(f) Organizing art exhibitions, dramatic and musical performances.
(g) Holding seminars and symposia.
(h) Arranging for sending cultural delegations or troupe abroad.
(i) Organizing international festival of music and dance.
(j) Publishing and selling books, periodicals, anthologies on fine Arts and national
culture.
(k) Awarding prizes and medals and conferring academic distinctions.
(l) Setting up Art Galleries.
(m) Any other such acts, as may be necessary for furthering the aims and objects of the
Academy.
By now the Academy has set up sixty nine branch institutions in all district headquarters
and six thana headquarters.
3.2.1.6. Bangladesh National Museum :
The Bangladesh National Museum at shahbagh area of Dhaka, is the full-fledged and
developed institution of former Dhaka (Dacca) Museum which had been started in 1913
by some elites in a small building known as Baraduari at Nimtali area of the city. After the
independence of the country in 1971, the Government of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh, on the recommendation of a commission, constituted for this purpose,
decided to establish a National Museum, incorporating and developing the former Dhaka
(Dacca) Museum. The site of the Museum was shifted from Nimtali to Shahbagh, the
most forward place in the city. The National Museum was formally inaugurated in
November 1983 and an Ordinance was also promulgated regarding it. The Museum is a
statutory autonomous institution administered by a 13-member Board of Trustees, with a
reputed educationist as its chairman, nominated by the Government.
The functions of the Museum are as under :
(a) To administer and develop the Bangladesh National Museum.
(b) To collect, preserve and display the antiquities, works of art, ethnological specimens,
relics connected with the Liberation Struggle of Bangladesh, specimens of flora and
fauna, traditional crafts and artifacts, products of intellectual activities, audio-visual
documentary evidence, and such other objects and items related to the cultural and
natural heritage of Bangladesh.
(c) To collect, preserve and display material evidence of different aspects of various
world civilizations.
(d) To make arrangements for research on the collections of the Museum.
(e) To publish and sell periodicals, books, anthologies and reproductions of objects.
(f) To organize exhibition, conference, lectures, seminars and assemblies on the cultural
and natural heritage of Bangladesh.
(g) To organize, with prior approval of the Government, exhibitions outside the country in
order to project cultural and natural heritage of Bangladesh.
(h) To assist, encourage and promote development of other museums in Bangladesh.
(i) To take over and administer any museum on such terms or conditions as may be
agreed upon between the Board and the museum committee concerned.
(j) To take over and administer any museum established by the Government, or execute
any scheme or project prepared by the Government, if so directed by the Government,
on such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the Board and the
Government.
(k) To engage individuals or organizations for specific work for the Museum and to pay
remuneration for the same.
(l) To register, organize, administer, regulate and supervise the movable antiquities in
Bangladesh, other than those belonging to the Department of Archaeology, in such
manner as may be determined by the Board.
(m) To assist individuals, institutions and authorities engaged in educational activities for
the understanding of cultural and natural heritage of Bangladesh.
(n) To organize training courses and award certificates in art history and museology
independently or in collaboration with other organization.
(o) To do such other things ancillary or incidental to any of the aforesaid functions.
3.2.1.7. Bangladesh Lok O Karushilpa Foundation (Bangladesh Folk Arts and
Crafts Foundation) Sonargaon, Narayangonj :
The Folk Arts and Crafts are traditional Culture of Bangladesh. Its origin can be traced in
the ancient peasant society of the country. The introduction of weaving textile and the art
of boat construction are the manifestation of our material culture -- folk arts and crafts. In
weaving of cotton textiles Bangladesh achieved proficiency which excels in the art of
textile through-out ancient and medieval period. The finest cotton ‘Muslin’ of Dhaka
became a legendary all over the then world. It was exported to Europe and Africa till the
coming of the British East India Company. Silk textile, embroidery work, silver filigree
and ivory carving are also objects of culture of Bangladesh. With the advent of the British
in the middle of 18th century these cottage Industries were disrupted and the culture was
going to disappear. After the independence of the country in 1971, the Government of
Bangladesh felt the necessity of reviving these crafts of the country. For this purpose
Government decided to set up "Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation" at
Sonargaon, once the historic capital of Medieval Bengal and the site, where the
legendary fine Muslin and Jamdani textile used to be made. The complex of the
Foundation covers 50 acres of land and contains the traditional rural environment of folk
life with flora, water area, rural huts, craft village, Folk Arts and Crafts Museum. In all, it
will be gradually transformed into "Miniature Bangladesh" to be called in Bengali
"Ruposhi Bangladesh".
However, in this regard the Government issued a Resolution No. F. 7-2/75-Cul. vide
gazette notification on March 18, 1975. In this Resolution it is stated that "Where as it is
necessary to provide for preserving and promoting the traditional folk arts and crafts and
encouragement of cottage crafts and, for that purpose the Government have decided to
constitute a Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation ; It is, therefore, resolved that a Foundation
to be called the Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation is hereby established for
the purpose and with specified powers and functions". The administration and
management of the Foundation vest in a 17-member Board known as "Parichalona
Board" (Management Board). Its chairman is the Honble Minister in-charge of the
Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
The functions of the Foundation are :
(a) To preserve historical folk arts and crafts.
(b) To arrange training for artisans.
(c) To set up Folk Arts and Craft Museums in Various parts of the country.
(d) To build up an "Artisans’ Village" at Sonargaon in Narayangonj.
(e) To arrange research in folk arts and crafts and to publish information thereof.
(f) To preserve objects of folk arts and crafts and encourage regarding traditional folk
arts and crafts.
(g) To make plans for promotion of folk arts and crafts and to implement it.
(h) To help and co-operate any person or institution engaged in research of folk arts and
crafts.
(i) To assist the Government in preparing rules for the development of folk arts and crafts
and to advise the Government, local authority or any institution regarding any matter
relating to it.
(j) To take joint venture in this subject with any national or international folk arts and
crafts institutions with prior permission of the Government.
(k) And any other such functions which are supplementary or relating to the above
functions.
3.2.1.8. Bangla Academy :
It is stated earlier (see 2) that during the British colonial rule (1757-1947) and the
Pakistani military hegemony after 1947, Bangladesh was culturally handicapped.
Attempts were taken at that time, to divert Bangalee culture to different directions.
Rabindra songs were discouraged and stopped in Radio and Television. The Pakistani
ruler in 1948 proposed to declare Urdu, the language of the minority west Pakistani
people, as the only state language of Pakistan, ignoring the claim of Bangla, the
language of the majority. It was strongly protested by the students of Dhaka University
upon whom the Pakistani police opened fire and murdered a number of Bangalee
students on 21st February 1952. This occurrence infuriated the whole Bangalee nation
who launched a strong movement to save the language of Bangla from Pakistani
aggression. This historic movement is known as Language Movement of 1952.
After this, the Pakistani rulers came to senses. They were compelled to declare both
Urdu and Bangla as the state languages of Pakistan. After that, for the development of
state languages, two Academies were set up --one in West Pakistan, for the
development of Urdu, and the other in
East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), for the development of Bangla. Both Academies were
placed under the Provincial Governments. In addition to that the central Government of
Pakistan under its own control set up another institute in Dhaka for development of
Bangla which was named a "Kendrya Bangla Unnayan Board" (Central Board for
Development of Bangla). These two institutions were going on working in their
respective fields. However, after the Liberation, the Government of Bangladesh,
developed Bangla Academy to a greater extent and expanded its scope of activities. The
Central Board was also merged with the Academy on 17th May, 1972. The Government
of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh declared Bangla Academy as an autonomous
institution by an Ordinance No. XIX of 1978. It is administered by a "Karja Nirbahi
Parishad" (Management Board) constituted by the Government.
(1) The functions of the academy shall be :
(a) To develop, foster and promote the Bangla language, literature and culture in
accordance with the national aspirations:
(b) To facilitate the introduction of Bangla language in all spheres of life in Bangladesh ;
(c) To translate, coin, prepare, adopt, develop and popularise Bangla vocabulary for
foreign words and phrases scientific, technical and official terms ;
(d) To produce, translate and make available in the Bangla language suitable reading
materials including advanced treatise on the various branches of science and
technology as well as reference works, dictionaries, bibliographies and encyclopedia ;
(e) To make arrangement for research on development of the Bengali language and
literature and for that purpose to enter into contract with experts and to maintain close
relationship with the universities and other organizations ;
(f) To set up branches of the Academy within Bangladesh with a view to fostering
research literary, cultural and other activities ;
(g) To render financial help to the indigent but meritorious Bangalee writers and research
workers ;
(h) To engage individuals or organizations or both for undertaking specific work for the
Academy ;
(i) To award prizes and reward to persons who, in the opinion of the Parishad have made
notable contributions to the upliftment of the Bangla language and literature or to the
study of science ;
(j) To organize, create or abolish Divisions of the Academy and to control their activities ;
To determine the terms and conditions of service of the employees of the Academy other
than he employees on deputation from Government service ;
(l) To confer the honour of being a Patron Fellow, Life Member or Member of the
Academy on any person who is, in the opinion of the Parishad, fit to be so honoured ;
(m) To do such other acts and things as may necessary to be done in connection with
the performance of the aforesaid functions.
2. Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1) the Government may direct the
Academy to take over the functions of organizations engaged in the cultivation of the
Bangla language, literature or culture set up under statute, resolution, order or
instrument of the Government ; and organizations shall vest in the Academy.
3.2.1.9. Nazrul Institute :
Kazi Nazrul Islam is our national Poet. His contribution in all branches of Bangla
literature is unlimited. Poetry, novel, drama, story, rhyme, essay, song -- all branches
have become rich with his writings. During his life time no serious attempt was
undertaken to collect and publish his all writings. Later, it was felt necessary to collect his
all writings and to undertake research on his works. So, an Ordinance No. XXXIX was
promulgated on 12th June 1984 to provide for the establishment of the Nazrul Institute
The administration of the affairs of the institute vest in a 7-member
"Board of Trustees".
The functions of the institute are :
(a) To promote the study of the works of the poet.
(b) To collect the poet’s songs and other works from home and abroad and to compile,
preserve and publish them,
(c) To make necessary arrangement for research on, and publication of, the literature of
the poet and for publicity thereof,
(d) To organize conferences, lectures, debates and seminars on matters relating to
contributions of the poet on sangeet, literature and in other fields.
(e) To establish library of books, records, tapes, and other preservative ensemble
relating to Nazrul sangeet and literature.
(f) To prepare musical notation for propagation of Nazrul sangeet in their true spirit, style
and system and to supervise their presentation in acceptable standard in gramophone
records, commercial tapes, films and books of published notation in Bangladesh.
(g) To provide for proper training in Nazrul sangeet and recitation of the Nazrul poems.
(h) To award prizes and rewards to authors who, in the opinion of the Institute, have
made significant contributions in the field of research on the works of the poet.
(i) To do such other acts and things as may be considered necessary for carrying out the
purposes of the Ordinance.
3.2.1.10. National Book Centre :
The educational and cultural progress of a country is directly dependent upon the supply
of suitable reading materials in its languages for all levels of readers. This is particularly
true in the context of new Asia where literacy is fast spreading and where national
languages are being made the media of instruction and are also assuming the status of
official languages. The supply of reading material, in its turn, depends upon the book
awareness in a country which must be promoted through an effective agency. In
recognition of these need the Government constituted a commission to prepare a report
with proper recommendations. According to its recommendation the Government set up
a National Book Centre as an autonomous institution in 1960 with a view to developing
the book industry early years the institution was run following by-laws framed on 22nd
December 1965 which was finally ratified by the Government of Bangladesh with
necessary modifications vide a Gazette Notification of 20th November 1995. The
institution however, is autonomous in character, controlled by the Government through a
17-member "Parichalona Board" (Management Board) with the Secretary, Ministry of
Cultural Affairs, as its Chairman.
The functions of the National Book Centre are as under :
(a) To collect and publish statistical and bibliographical information on reading materials ;
(b) To investigate the tastes and needs of the reading public and publish its report.
(c) To improve book production and distribution methods;
(d) To create facilities for wider and more discriminating interest in books among all
sections of the population ;
(e) To make arrangement for exhibition of current and rare books ;
(f) To publish book-lists and readers’ guides and other comprehensive annotated lists of
books produced in the country ;
(g) To undertake research and collect information on different subjects pertaining to
books, and to publish its results.
(h) To make arrangement to create interest among the young readers towards book.
(i) To establish library at the centre and arrange reading facility there in.
(j) To create consciousness for the improvement of library service.
(k) To arrange and control seminar, symposium, workshop and book-fair on national
level and also with prior permission from the Government on international level.
(l) To make arrangement to award the best publisher with a view to encouraging book
publication.
(m) To make arrangement to award the best composer to encourage promotion of
printing industry in a befitting manner.
(n) To advise the Government in any matter relating to book-publication.
(o) To perform any other work in relation to above subjects.

The traditional culture of Bangladesh is very old. Most of the people of the country used
to live in the villages. The towns were very few in number. As a result, its culture was
village based. The urban cultural had no effect in the society. In the medieval period (7-
16th Century A. D), the people of Bangladesh were, economically, very rich. They used
to led an easy-life. After the harvest in December they had no work till June. This long
six months time was their leisure period. During this period, the bull-fight, cock-fight,
nauka-baich (boat race) etc. Most of the villagers enjoy these cultural performances. With
the increase of the number of population in the country as well as in the villages, the
number of attendance of these cultural performances is increasing ; but the rate of
increase is not maintained any where. So, it could not be mentioned in the table-2. The
modern theatre, museum, public library, and cinema have been introduced in our country
in the current twentieth century. With the increase of literacy rate in the country the
number of visitors of theatre, museum and cinema, and the readers of libraries are
increasing. In the table-2 below, the number of visitors or readers (in related cases) is
shown year wise (financial year July-June). Although the public awareness towards
cultural activities are, in actual sense, increasing, the figures in table-2 do not indicate it,
here the numbers are found ups and downs. This happened due to closure of the institutes
for certain periods for unavoidable circumstances.
Comparative statement of annual attendance of visitors/readers of cultural institutions :
Sl. No. Name of Institutions 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97
1. Bangladesh National Museum, Dhaka
2. Ahsan Manjil Museum, Dhaka
3. Osmani Museum, Sylhet
4. Zia Memorial Museum, Chittagong
5. Bangladesh Lok O Karushilpa Foundation (Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts
Foundation), Narayangonj
6. National Museum of Science and Technology, Dhaka
7. Central Public Library, Dhaka

8. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial MuseumStarted

from 14th August, 1994

9. Mukti Juddha Jadughar (Liberation War Museum)Started from 26th March,1996

Recent Cultural Development Activities:

Establishing a coalition Bangladesh
Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)
Location:
Dhaka

Establishing a coalition Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)

BACKGROUND
UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity is adopted by the UNESCO in
2001.

In succession of this another Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the

Diversity of Cultural Expression was held in 2005. Meanwhile, we have come to know
that the articles of the mentioned conventions have been ratified by the government of
Bangladesh.
Being sad, it is true that hardly any awareness has been created among the concerned
stakeholders in Bangladesh regarding UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural
Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural
Expression.
Notwithstanding, Cultural Policy has been drawn up by the endeavour of Ministry of
Cultural Affairs.

Hardly any consciousness regarding the mentioned Cultural Policy has been created
among the concerned stakeholders. Consequently, the implementation of UNESCO
Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and
Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression has been remained neglected.

We have been going on the awareness program for long regarding ICT for Culture which
is the part of implementation of the action plan of World Summit on the Information
Society (WSIS).

In this backdrop, we think that it is necessary to raise awareness and lobby widely among
the concerned stakeholders and policy makers of the government concerning the
mentioned UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the
Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression.

Conforming to that, we are going to form Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity
(BCCD) in co-ordination with different stakeholders i.e. book publisher, film and radio,
TV, music, performing art, visual art and multidisciplinary organizations. We hope,
performing manifold procedures, it might be possible for us to present a full-fledged
coalition committee and coming five year program since April 2009.

At present, BCCD’s limited programs are going on in a limited extent with collaboration
of BNNRC.

We, BCCD, are requesting you to provide overall support and suggestion so that we can
continue work with major substantiated matters of UNESCO Universal Declaration on
Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of
Cultural Expression thorough ICT

PURPOSE
To create a coalition entitled ‘Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)’

SOURCES
a. The constitution of the People?s Republic of Bangladesh.
b. Statistical year book of Bangladesh -- 1996 seventeenth edition, Bangladesh Bureau
of Statistics.
c. Annual Development Programme (ADP) of Planning Commission, Government of
Bangladesh (for the Years 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97 & 1997-98)
d. Demands for Grants and Appropriations (Details) Non-Development (for the Years
1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95, 1995-96, 1996-97 & 1997-98).
e. UNESCO World Conference on cultural Policy, Mexico City, 26 July -- 6th August
1982, Problems and Prospects.
f. The World Book Encyclopedia, U. S. A., 1989 Vol. 4.

g. Meet Bangladesh (Third Edition) 1987 Published by Department of Film and Publication,
Ministry of Information, Government of Bangladesh.