Country’s traditional Tangail saree weaving has been inscribed on UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’, marking a major global recognition for the country’s centuries-old craft.
The decision was made on Tuesday at the 20th session of Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 UNESCO Convention, currently underway in New Delhi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.
This is Bangladesh’s sixth individual inscription under the convention and the second since the country was elected to the committee four years ago.
Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO and President of General Council, Ambassador Khondker M. Talha, dedicated the achievement to the nation’s weavers and women.
“This is a remarkable honour for Bangladesh. It is global recognition of the exquisite craftsmanship of Tangail’s weavers, who have safeguarded this heritage for over two hundred years,” he said. “Tangail sarees, cherished and worn by Bangladeshi women every day, inspired this international acknowledgment.”
He added that the listing reinforces Bangladesh’s broader efforts to preserve and promote its intangible cultural heritage.
Ambassador Talha also noted that many more Bangladeshi cultural elements hold strong potential for UNESCO recognition, stressing the need to strengthen documentation and build skilled professionals to advance future nominations.
The session was inaugurated on December 7 by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, with UNESCO’s newly appointed Director-General Khaled El Enany in attendance.
SH
