Role of Bangladesh National Museum in Preservation of History, Culture and Heritage of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study aims to assess the role and contributions of the History and Classical Art Department of Bangladesh National Museum in the context of acquisition and preservation of history and heritage of Bengal through analysis of gathered artifacts. This study adopts a comprehensive analytical approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The primary data sources include interviews with museum visitors, focus group discussions involving visitors and stakeholders, and key informant interviews with experts and specialists. Secondary data sources consist of museum visitors’ comment books, previous stakeholders’ opinions, and comment books from mobile exhibitions. Additionally, this research seeks to identify potential avenues of future growth and development within the department. The research has unraveled multifaceted role of the department’s key artifacts, namely coins, sculptures, architecture and inscriptions in forming and preserving history. The FGD and KII responses have yielded insightful feedback on the role of these artifacts in ensuring the continuation of history. The responses from the survey, FGD, KII and comments from the content analysis reveal the degree of fascination visitors harbor for the liberation war galleries. Many of these responses have suggested the liberation war gallery is successful in instilling the sense of patriotism among its visitors and inspiring them to cherish the spirit of liberation. The recommendations of this article offer avenues for the museum to further excel and contribute to the preservation of our cultural heritage.