Exhibition of Rohingya cultural objects, artworks opens in Bangladesh

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - A three-week virtual exhibition of cultural objects and artworks of Rohingya refugees has opened in Bangladesh in an effort to represent the key aspects of memories, experiences, and aspirations of Myanmar Muslim refugees.

The event was jointly organized by the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands through the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) from Dec. 10 to 31.

The exhibition, titled Art Life Rohingya, is supported by the Netherlands Foreign Office, according to a press statement issued by the IOM Dhaka office on Saturday.

Visitors can view collections such as Rohingya architecture, boat models, needlework, pottery, basketry, musical instruments, and more by clicking through a 3D virtual gallery and moving through different rooms.

The exhibition of Rohingya refugee artisans at RCMC in the country's southeastern coastal district of Cox's Bazar is part of an effort to preserve Rohingya culture and ensure its continuation for Rohingya youth and children.

Embroidery artworks like "Henna Hands," "Self-Reflection", and "My Home in Myanmar" reveal the inner worlds of Rohingya women, the statement said.

"We left everything except our memories. If we collect these things today, they won't disappear, and our younger generations will know about them," Rohingya artisan Zaber said.

Fathima Nusrath Ghazzali, IOM Bangladesh officer in charge said: "The RCMC offers a platform for the Rohingya people to share and build their stories with a global audience and to connect with the diaspora."

In May 2021, IOM and the Rohingya community jointly launched the RCMC, a multidisciplinary initiative to ensure that Rohingya culture, language, and identity are not lost until their safe return to their homeland.