ULAB launches weeklong exhibition featuring Varendra Research Museum collections

The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) inaugurated a weeklong photographic exhibition titled A History of Bangladesh in 25 Objects from the Collections of the Varendra Research Museum on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, on its campus.

The event was organised by the Department of General Education and the Center for Archaeological Studies of ULAB. It follows the Varendra Research Museum's Heritage Festival held on November 28, 2025.

The exhibition runs until December 6, 2025. It presents a visual journey through Bangladesh's history and highlights both tangible and intangible heritage.

The exhibition is co-curated by the Varendra Research Museum, Durham University's UNESCO Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage, and ULAB. It is supported by the British Council's Cultural Protection Fund, in partnership with the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

ULAB's Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Milan Kumar Bhattacharjee, PhD, delivered the welcome address at the opening. Maarya Rehman, Deputy Director of the British Council in Dhaka, spoke about the UK's response to international cultural heritage protection and the role of the Cultural Protection Fund. Professor Kazi Md Mostafizur Rahman, PhD, Director of the Varendra Research Museum, discussed the Cultural Protection Fund sponsored capacity strengthening training programme. UNESCO Chair Professor Robin Coningham, PhD, gave a presentation titled Breaking the Myth: Engaging Museum Professionals and Community.

Professor Shahnaj Husne Jahan, PhD, Head of the Department of General Education and Director of the Center for Archaeological Studies at ULAB, offered the vote of thanks.

Distinguished guests included ULAB's former Vice Chancellor Professor Imran Rahman; Professor Emily Williams, Dr Mark Manuel and Dr Christopher Davis from Durham University; Dr Kai Weise, Advisor at ICOMOS Nepal; Aslam Reza, Deputy Librarian of the Varendra Research Museum; museum professionals, archaeologists, historians, heritage practitioners, and ULAB's Deans, Heads, Directors, faculty and students.

The exhibition is open to the public at the ULAB campus in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, until Saturday, December 6, 2025.