International Council of Museums (ICOM) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, which has led to the destruction of invaluable cultural heritage sites and museums.
Reports from ICOM-Bangladesh of arson, vandalism, and deliberate damage to significant institutions such as the Independence Museum, Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Genocide Museum, Shashi Lodge, Sunamgonj Heritage Museum and other historical landmarks have prompted urgent calls for action.
These acts of destruction threaten the physical existence of our museums, historical documents, and archaeological sites, ICOM said in a statement issued on August 23.
This crisis echoes the concerns highlighted in the recent “Declaration on the Protection of Archives, Libraries, Museums and Heritage Places during Armed Conflicts and Political Instability,” where the escalating destruction of cultural heritage during political instability was condemned by ICOM and its partner organisations.
Cultural heritage is an integral part of national identity, shaping who we are and how we are recognised on the global stage, said the statement.
UNESCO’s recognition of several of Bangladesh’s sites as World Heritage testifies to their universal value.
As reiterated in the declaration, museums, historical buildings, archives, and other cultural institutions are not merely repositories of objects and documents; they are the guardians of our collective memory, a source of inspiration for future generations, and a critical component of our self-identity.
The destruction, whether through arson, vandalism, or any other form of attack, is a direct assault on national heritage and collective history, said ICOM.
The preservation of cultural heritage is a collective obligation that requires the active involvement of every individual.
As emphasised by the declaration, protecting cultural heritage is essential not only for preserving our past but also for fostering peace, recovery, and the rebuilding of society.
ICOM’s network is ready to offer its assistance to the affected museum professionals in Bangladesh through the provision of contact with experts, as they take stock of the damage sustained and embark on the next steps to re-open to the public, where possible.
"In these challenging times, we urge everyone to unite in safeguarding museums, historical sites, and archives," said ICOM.
Over the years, ICOM has evolved in accordance with international museum professionals’ needs worldwide, keeping in mind its main mission. More than 60 years after its creation, the organisation continues to represent the global museum community.