The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh inaugurated a seven-day photography exhibition on archaeological objects titled A History of Bangladesh in 25 Objects from the Collections of the Varendra Research Museum at their campus in the capital on Tuesday.
The exhibition was organised by the Department of General Education and the Center for Archaeological Studies of ULAB as part of Varendra Research Museum’s Heritage Festival.
The exhibition displayed the photographs from the collections of the Varendra Research Museum, including desk of Saratkumar Ray, a punch-marked silver coin of the 2nd century BC, fossilised wood, a Kushan gold coin of 2nd century CE, a copper plate grant, a standing Buddha sandstone statue of the 5th century CE, a Jaub sculpture and intangible heritage including clay sculpture making.
Co-curated by the Varendra Research Museum, Durham University’s UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage, and ULAB, the exhibition is supported by the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, in partnership with the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
ULAB’s acting vice chancellor professor Milan Kumar Bhattacharjee delivered the welcome address at the inaugural ceremony, the deputy director of British Council Dhaka Maarya Rehman and director of the Varendra Research Museum Professor Kazi Md Mostafizur Rahman also spoke and head of the Department of General Education and director of the Center for Archaeological Studies, ULAB, professor Shahnaj Husne Jahan delivered the vote of thanks.
The UNESCO Chair Professor Robin Coningham, delivered a presentation entitled ‘Breaking the Myth: Engaging Museum Professionals and Community’ at the event which depicts how a museum can engage with communities and become popular.
He also shared the two-phase workshop with the Varendra Research Museum, which was set up in Rajshahi in 1910, the first private museum in British Bengal.
Distinguished guests included ULAB’s former vice chancellor professor Imran Rahman, Durham University, UK professors Emily Williams, Mark Manuel, and Christopher Davis, Advisor of ICOMOS, Nepal, Kai Weise, Varendra Research Museum deputy librarian Aslam Reza, museum professionals, archaeologists, historians, heritage practitioners of Bangladesh and ULAB’s deans, heads, directors, faculties and students.
The exhibition will run until December 6.
