Rohingya artworks show begins in city

A weeklong exhibition of 100 cultural objects and artworks representing key aspects of Rohingya memory, experience, and aspiration began in the city on Sunday, reports UNB.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Center for Peace Studies (CPS) of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) of North South University (NSU) are hosting the exhibition that will continue till September 25.

The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held at NSU where the collection is being displayed.

Rohingya artisans of IOM's Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) prepared the cultural objects and artworks, with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands.

The exhibiting collection -- handmade by the camp-living refugees in Cox's Bazar -- is a part of an ongoing effort by the RCMC to help comprehensively document and preserve the heritage of the Rohingya people.

IOM Bangladesh's Chief of Mission Giorgi Gigauri said by showcasing the beauty and complexity of the Rohingya heritage and people, the exhibition aims to empower the community and ensure the continuity of its cultural heritage for future generations.

"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."

Of the exhibiting collection, the triptych of tapestries titles 'Myanmar Life,' 'Camp Life' and 'Future Life' depicts the past, present, and future of Rohingya community while scale models of traditional houses, boats and furniture conjure daily life in Arakan [present name Rakhine]. Farming, fishing, and domestic tools showcase traditional livelihoods and craft skills while videos from camp tell the stories of the artisans.

Rohingya Artisan Soidul Islam said they have wings but not feathers, we have minds but not hope. "This opportunity has given us both to uphold our culture and heritage."

"My dream is to bring to light all that is hidden of our Rohingya culture and history," said Md Shibbili, another RCMC Cultural Agent.

Mia Seppo, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, said ultimately, the biggest possible achievement of the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre and similar endeavors to preserve Rohingya heritage, both tangible and intangible, would be to ensure the continuity of cultural identity for Rohingya adolescents and children, strengthening ties to their homeland.