Draft Concept Note-1

A Discussion Meeting Commemorating the
International Day of Islamic Art
Date: 25November 2024

Venue: Auditorium, International Mother Language Institute
Organized by: Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU)
Concept Note
Background and Rationale: The International Day of Islamic Art was established during the 40th
session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2019 and is celebrated every year on November
18. The Kingdom of Bahrain originally proposed this date, which UNESCO officially adopted in
2019.
The International Day of Islamic Art aims to raise awareness of both historical and
contemporary artistic expressions within Islam, highlighting the significant cultural
contributions of Islamic art to civilization. This global observance not only encourages
appreciation for Islamic art, which has inspired numerous artistic movements, but also
promotes cultural diversity, freedom of expression, the protection of cultural heritage, and the
fostering of intercultural dialogue.
Being the state religion of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Islam and Islamic art has been a
massive influence in Bangladeshi art. Bangladeshi art began to reflect the influence of Islamic
art with the arrival of Muslims in Bengal starting in the 11th century. This influence became
particularly prominent with the establishment of the Sultanate of Bengal, which encompassed
much of present-day Bangladesh. However, it was during the Mughal era that Islamic art truly
flourished in the region. The Muslim dynasties made significant contributions in Bangladeshi
architecture, calligraphy, music, textile, crafts and decorative arts etc. as evidenced by the
many mosques, shrines, and mazars scattered across Bangladesh, its textile patterns,
contemporary arts, modern day graffities that showcase the profound impact of Islamic art.
Islamic arts in Bangladesh are a testament to the country's cultural diversity and historical
richness. They continue to evolve, blending traditional techniques with modern influences, and
remain a vital part of the nation's identity. Through architecture, calligraphy, literature, textiles,
and crafts, Bangladesh's Islamic art serves as a bridge connecting the past with the present,
celebrating the enduring legacy of a vibrant culture.
Recalling the significance of the day, Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO wants to
join the global celebration. Like UNESCO BNCU believes that Observing this day promotes
tolerance among people and fosters cultural convergence, all driven by the powerful influence
of art. The discussion will bring together key stakeholders, experts and youth representatives
from relevant Government and non-governments organizations, Heritage repositories and
Universities. This will provide a scope for intensive discussion, knowledge sharing and
awareness building regarding the practice and possibilities of Islamic art in Bangladesh.
Objectives:
 Encouraging discussion on the history and development of Islamic art among the youth
and relevant stakeholders
 Raising awareness about the significance of the day and the Islamic art
 Exploring future scopes for this art form to flourish
 Fostering interest in the practice of Islamic art among the youth
Proposed Programme:
A Discussion Meeting on “History and Development of Islamic Art in Bangladesh”
Chief Discussant: DR. ABU KHALED MOHAMMAD KHADEMUL HAQUE, Professor, Department of
Islamic History & Culture
Discussants:
1.Dr. Najma Begum, Supernumerary Professor, Department of Islamic History & Culture
2. Dr. Perween Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, Central Women’s University
Former Professor, Department of Islamic History and Culture, University of Dhaka
Chief Guest: Siddique Zobair, Senior Secretary, Secondary and Higher Education Division,
Ministry of Education
Special Guest:
1. Md. Saiful Islam, Director General (Additional Secretary), Islamic Foundation
2. Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Professor, Department of Islamic History and
Culture, Dhaka University
3. Suzan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh
Chaired by: Zubaida Mannan, Deputy Secretary General, BNCU
Programme Schedule
No Time Duration Activity

1. 03.15-3.30 pm 15 Minutes Arrival of the Guests
2. 3.30- 4.00 pm 30 Minutes Chief Discussant
3 4.00-4.15 pm 15 Minutes Discussant-1
4 4.15-4.30 pm 15 Minutes Discussant-2
5. 4.30-4.35 pm 05 Minutes Speech of the Special Guest 1
8. 4.45-4.50 pm 05 Minutes Speech of the Chief Guest
9. 4.50-4.55 pm 05 Minutes Chairperson’s Remarks
Invited Organizations: Secondary and Higher Education Division, Ministry of Education,

Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Bangladesh National Museum,
Department of Archaeology, UNESCO Dhaka, Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, Islamic
Foundation, International Mother Language Institute, Department of Public Libraries, Jatiya
Grantha Kendro, Department of Archives and Library, student representatives from Dhaka
University: Department of Islamic History and Culture, Department of Arabic, Department of
Persian Language and Literature, Department of Islamic Studies, Teachers from 17 Government
Colleges inside Dhaka City.
Approximate Number of Participants: 100

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A Discussion Meeting Commemorating the

International Day of Islamic Art

Date: 25November 2024

Organized by: Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU)

No Time Duration Activity

Invited Organizations: Secondary and Higher Education Division, Ministry of Education,

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