BRAC University hosts chinese intangible cultural heritage week

The thousand-year-old cultural and historical ties between Bangladesh and China are being honoured through Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Week, currently underway at BRAC University, as part of a broader initiative titled Millennium Cultural Bonds: China-Bangladesh Cultural Exchange Month.

The event is organised by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bangladesh in collaboration with the BRAC Institute of Languages, showcasing traditional Chinese arts, music, crafts, and cultural artefacts.

The celebration was formally launched on 22 June at the Exhibition Gallery of BRAC University's Merul Badda campus by the institution's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar. Guests were treated to captivating live performances featuring traditional Chinese instruments, such as the guzheng and erhu, alongside martial arts demonstrations.

The event also features an ongoing exhibition of Chinese handicrafts and cultural items, offering visitors a glimpse into China's rich intangible cultural heritage—recognised by UNESCO as the largest in the world.

In their remarks, speakers emphasised that the Bangladesh–China relationship transcends diplomacy and is rooted in a deep cultural bond forged through centuries of shared history and mutual respect. "Our intangible cultural heritages serve as a bridge between past and future, linking people through shared values and creativity," they said.

Notable attendees included Dr Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh; Mohammad Wares Hossain, Acting Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy; Ariful Haque, Director of the National Library of Bangladesh; and Li Shaopeng, Cultural Adviser at the Chinese Embassy.

Designated Chinese heritage bearers Han Zhiqiang and Yuan Xiuhuan, along with cultural representatives and guests from Bangladesh and abroad, were also present at the inaugural ceremony.

The cultural showcase will continue at BRAC University until 26 June 2025.