Bangladesh land of communal harmony: German envoy

Addressing a press conference at a city hotel, he underscored the need for proper preservation and studies of sculptures of different ages.

The press conference was organised by The International Centre for Study of Bengal Art (ICSBA) on the activities of German-Bangladesh Collaboration Project for Inventorying and Studying Mediaeval Sculptures of Bangladesh.

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The Tk 51.83 lakh project has been undertaken to make an inventory and catalogue of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Sculptures, mostly known as Pala-Sena sculptures, during the pre-Muslim period since 500 AD.

The German ambassador said his country, as part of its worldwide collaboration in cultural promotion activities of various countries, has been extending cooperation to Bangladesh in various fields of culture and art.

He said the project would properly catalogue the Pala-Sena sculptures that would help retrieve the materials from the darkness of the stores and rooms and the scholars all over the world get an opportunity to study them.

"It would also help raise the awareness of people about their art and heritage as well as contribute to communal harmony," he added.

Chairman of ICSBA Professor Dr Enamul Haque, German expert Professor AJ Gail and third secretary of German embassy Azza Harter were present.

Both German and Bangladeshi experts are serving in the two-year project from the middle of 2003.