Mohammad Sharifuzzaman (Special Correspondent): A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the protection of cultural property has been signed between Bangladesh and Türkiye, marking a new milestone in the existing historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
The MoU was signed Friday 05th June 2026 at a formal ceremony held at the Premium Lounge of Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka.
On behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, Honorable Minister for Cultural Affairs Mr. Nitai Roy Chowdhury MP, and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Türkiye, Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Hakan Fidan signed the agreement.
The ceremony was attended by Honorable Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Mr. Khalilur Rahman and Honorable State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Shama Obaed Islam MP, as special guests. Senior officials from the Ministries of Cultural Affairs and Foreign Affairs of both countries, along with a high-level delegation from Türkiye, were also present.
The MoU aims to strengthen long-term institutional cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye in the preservation, protection, restoration, and promotion of cultural heritage.
Under the agreement, both countries will collaborate in the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, archival documents, library materials, museum management, digitization, and restoration initiatives.
The agreement has been developed in continuation of the Cultural Agreement signed between the two countries on March 09, 1981, and the Cooperation Programme signed on April 12, 2012, covering education, science, culture, arts, press and information, youth, and sports.
Under the framework of the MoU, Bangladesh and Türkiye will work jointly in line with the UNESCO 1970 Convention to prevent the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property. The two countries will also enhance cooperation in archaeological research, application of modern technologies, disaster risk reduction, documentation, and inventory mapping of cultural resources.
The signing of this MoU is expected to open a new horizon of cultural cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye and serve as a significant milestone in safeguarding the shared values of heritage and civilization.
