Bangladesh interim cabinet decides to declare boats as cultural heritage

The interim government has taken the initiative to introduce the ancient river transport boat as a "cultural heritage" of Bangladesh on a global scale.

The decision was made during a meeting of the advisory council, a press release from the Cabinet Division said.

It said, “The advisory council decided the cultural affairs ministry will take the initiative to introduce boats, Jamdani sarees and Tangail sarees as cultural heritage of Bangladesh worldwide through UNESCO."

The boat was the election and party symbol of the Awami League, ousted in a mass uprising.

During the party's one-and-a-half decade rule, attempts were made to promote the party by displaying the boat at various events.

The interim government has removed the boat from the logos of the Prisons Department, the police monogram, and the Chittagong City Corporation.

The Cabinet Division press release also said the advisory council has approved the proposal to celebrate National Youth Day and International Youth Day together on Aug 12.

National Youth Day is celebrated with vibrant events across the country on Nov 1 every year.

The celebration of the International Youth Day on Aug 12 every year began with the decision of the United Nations General Assembly on Dec 17, 1999.

The Cabinet Division said the activities undertaken on International Youth Day and National Youth Day are “almost identical”.

To save government expenses, the council has approved the proposal to celebrate both events together.