Boats to anchor Bangladesh’s cultural legacy

Bangladesh’s ancient riverine boats are set to sail onto the global stage as a symbol of the nation’s cultural heritage. The decision, announced in a Cabinet Division press release, emerged from an advisory council meeting on Thursday.

Alongside boats, Jamdani saris and Tangail woven saris will also be promoted worldwide through UNESCO, under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs’ stewardship.  

The move carries a layered significance. The boat, long the election and party symbol of the Awami League—toppled in a mass uprising after 15 years in power—had been heavily spotlighted during its rule, often fronting public events. 

Under the interim government, however, it was stripped from the logos of the Prisons Department, police monogram, and Chittagong City Corporation. Now, the advisory council seeks to reclaim the boat’s identity, rooting it in heritage rather than politics.  

The council also greenlit a practical shift: combining National Youth Day (November 1) and International Youth Day (August 12) into a single celebration on August 12. 

National Youth Day traditionally lights up the country with vibrant events each November, while International Youth Day, established by a UN General Assembly decision on December 17, 1999, marks a global observance.  

Noting that both days feature “almost identical” activities, the council opted to merge them to cut government costs. The unified August 12 celebration aims to preserve the spirit of youth engagement while streamlining resources.