British Council launches second phase of Varendra Research Museum Training Programme

The British Council, in collaboration with the Varendra Research Museum, University of Rajshahi, and Durham University, has launched the second phase of the Varendra Research Museum Training Programme.

Funded by the Cultural Protection Fund, the UK's initiative for international cultural heritage protection, the programme aims to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi heritage professionals and empower them to protect the nation's rich history and cultural assets.

Building on the success of the first phase, which focused on collection preservation, digital documentation, and safeguarding folk heritage, the second phase of the program was launched virtually on Friday, July 18, 2025. The event brought together key representatives from the training expert team, alongside partners from the Cultural Protection Fund, the British Council, the Varendra Research Museum, and the University of Rajshahi.

The second phase will adopt a more targeted approach to training local heritage professionals, aiming to help them contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh's national heritage landscape, forge stronger connections, and access international opportunities in the heritage safeguarding sector. While the majority of the training will be conducted online, a series of in-person workshops will be held later this year during visits from the Durham University expert training team, which includes Professor Robin Andrew Cunningham, Dr Emily Alden Williams, Professor Mark James Manuel, and Dr Christopher Edward Davis. The Bangladesh-based training team will include Professor Shahnaj Husne Jahan, founder director of the Centre for Archaeological Studies, and Professor and Head of the General Education Program at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).

David Knox, Director of Programmes at the British Council in Bangladesh, said: "This second phase of the Varendra Research Museum Training Programme underscores the British Council's deep commitment to preserving Bangladesh's invaluable cultural heritage. By investing in the expertise of local professionals, we aim to ensure these vital historical assets are safeguarded for future generations, while also contributing to the development of the tourism sector."

Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rajshahi, expressed his gratitude for the British Council's Cultural Protection Fund initiative and acknowledged the efforts of the UNESCO Chair and other project implementers in safeguarding this important national heritage. He also hoped for the continued strengthening of ties with the University of Durham.

The Cultural Protection Fund is managed by the British Council in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. Its mission is to protect cultural heritage at risk from conflict and/or climate change, contributing to sustainable social stability and economic prosperity.