Tangail saree weaving recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

This marks Bangladesh’s sixth individual registration under the convention, the foreign ministry says

UNESCO has recognised the Tangail saree weaving industry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The decision was made unanimously at the ongoing 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the UNESCO 2003 Convention in Delhi, India, on Tuesday.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this is Bangladesh's sixth individual registration under this convention.

This is the second registration in the four years since being elected to the board for the first time, it added.

Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Khondker M Talha said, “This recognition is of immense pride for Bangladesh. This is global recognition of the impeccable craftsmanship of the weavers of Tangail for more than two centuries.

“The Tangail saree is the daily wear of Bangladeshi women, which has served as an inspiration behind achieving international recognition for this weaving art.”

He dedicated this achievement to all the weavers and women of Bangladesh, saying this recognition has added a new dimension to the overall protection initiative of Bangladesh’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Talha said Bangladesh has numerous other intangible cultural elements deserving UNESCO heritage status.

He emphasises there is an opportunity to secure UNESCO recognition for many more such heritages by increasing the capacity for preparing documentation and developing experienced manpower related to the convention.

Previous UNESCO recognitions include Baul music in 2008, Jamdani saree in 2013, Mongol Shobhajatra in 2016, Shitol Pati in 2017, and Dhaka's rickshaws and rickshaw art in 2023.