State minister for cultural affairs KM Khalid participates in a webinar marking World Heritage Day 2021.

Bangladesh National Committee of the International Council of Museums observed World Heritage Day 2021 organising a webinar recently.

The webinar titled ‘Bridging the Biodiversity of the Past and Present: A Representation of Terracotta Plaques of Somapura Mahavihara World Heritage Site’ was arranged via Zoom, said a press release.

Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur, Badalgachhi Upazila, Naogaon district is among the best-known viharas, centres of learning, in the Indian Subcontinent and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Bangladesh. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

State minister for cultural affairs KM Khalid was present as chief guest at the webinar.

‘Bangladesh has a rich ancient heritage. People have been living on this land since prehistoric time. They had established villages and cities as well as constructed castles, palaces, places of worship and others. Though many heritage sites gradually disappeared, a large number of sites of historical significance have survived the test of time,’ said KM Khalid.

‘It is our national duty to conduct research on our ancient heritage, discover, preserve and promote our heritage sites. The Somapura Mahavihara, which was established between the eighth and ninth century AD, and Mosque City of Bagerhat, which was constructed in the fifteenth century AD, have been included in the World Heritage List along with the Sunderbans,’ Khalid added.

‘The government is working to include more heritage sites of our country on World Heritage List. I am glad to attend today’s programme which has been arranged by the Bangladesh National Committee of the International Council of Museums marking World Heritage Day,’ mentioned Khalid.

Besides, joint secretary of cultural affairs ministry Fahimul Islam and professor at Jahangirnagar University archaeology department Sikder Md Zulkernine were present as discussants at the online event.

Associate professor and chairman of the archaeology department at Comilla University, Muhammed Shohrab Uddin presented a paper at the programme.

The International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, is observed on April 18 every year around the world with different types of activities.

The International Day for Monuments and Sites was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites on April 18, 1982, and approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983.