Bangladesh and Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in protecting cultural property and preserving heritage, marking a new milestone in the longstanding historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
The MoU was signed on Friday at a formal ceremony held at the Premium Lounge of Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, said a press release.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, while Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan signed it on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Türkiye.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam attended the ceremony as special guests. Senior officials from the cultural affairs and foreign ministries of both countries, along with a high-level Turkish delegation, were also present.
The MoU aims to strengthen long-term institutional cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye in the preservation, protection, restoration, and promotion of cultural heritage.
Under the agreement, both countries will collaborate in the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, archival documents, library materials, museum management, digitization, and restoration initiatives.
The agreement has been developed in continuation of the Cultural Agreement signed between the two countries on March 09, 1981, and the Cooperation Programme signed on April 12, 2012, covering education, science, culture, arts, press and information, youth, and sports.
Under the framework of the MoU, Bangladesh and Türkiye will work jointly in line with the UNESCO 1970 Convention to prevent the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property. The two countries will also enhance cooperation in archaeological research, application of modern technologies, disaster risk reduction, documentation, and inventory mapping of cultural resources.
Speaking on the occasion, Honorable Minister for Cultural Affairs Mr. Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP, said, This MoU will further deepen and expand the historic and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Türkiye. The advanced archaeological technologies and expertise of Türkiye will play an important role in preserving Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage.
Foreign Minister of Türkiye Mr. Hakan Fidan praised Bangladesh’s rich history and cultural legacy and reaffirmed Türkiye’s full support and cooperation for the successful implementation of the agreement.
The signing of this MoU is expected to open a new horizon of cultural cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye and serve as a significant milestone in safeguarding the shared values of heritage and civilization.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
