Govt to set up museum for boats

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor said the government is going to set up a museum for boats, as the country’s many traditional boats are disappearing due to the use of mechanised boats. The minister made the remark while speaking at the launching ceremony of two books published by Comos Books – “Boats – A Treasure of Bangladesh” by Enayetullah Khan and Yves Marre, and “Barge for Bangladesh” by Yves Marre. The event was organised at the Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum on Sunday, reports UNB. “We have already sent a proposal to the Planning Ministry for the museum. I hope they will approve it, as our honourable Prime Minister is also interested in it and boat is our [election] symbol,” the minister said. Thanking Enayetullah Khan and Yves Marre for writing their book on boats, Asaduzzaman Noor, said: “They have actually rediscovered our boats. The research they put into the book reflect their love for Bangladesh,” French Ambassador to Bangladesh Sophie Aubert also congratulated Yves for writing the books on Bangladesh’s heritage. Faizul Latif Choudhury, director general of National Museum, appreciated Cosmos Foundation's efforts for carrying out the wonderful job and collaborating with different events to promote the country’s art, culture and heritage. Enayetullah Khan unveiled a plan to set up floating libraries in the country so that the children living in villages can get access to a diverse range of books. Professor Emeritus Anisuzzaman and UNB Chairman Amanullah Khan, among others, were also present at the event. In “Boats: A Treasure of Bangladesh,” the two authors have presented a wealth of information – from the history behind an entire repository of this region’s culture to featuring photographs of the country's glorious scenes that were once ubiquitous but are undeniably fading away with passing time. The book introduces the readers to the mastery of the country’s naval carpenters. It also includes interviews with marine experts, common villagers, and nature and history enthusiasts. In “Barge for Bangladesh,” the canal barge “La Flèche d'or” leaves the protection of the French waterways at the end of January 1994. It sets out with just two men on board with the intention of delivering the vessel to Bangladesh for conversion into a floating hospital.