SS Report
Dhaka, 9 December 2025 — UNESCO has officially inscribed Tangail Saree Weaving on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, bringing global recognition to one of Bangladesh’s most iconic traditional crafts. The decision was adopted unanimously today at the ongoing 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention, held in New Delhi, India.
This marks Bangladesh’s sixth solo inscription under the Convention and the second during its current four-year term on the Committee, to which it was elected for the first time.
Reacting to the announcement, Ambassador Khondker M. Talha — leader of the Bangladesh delegation and President of UNESCO’s General Conference — said the recognition is “an extraordinary honour for Bangladesh.” He noted that the Tangail saree, crafted by weavers for more than two centuries, has become an integral part of everyday attire for Bangladeshi women. “This global recognition celebrates the timeless artistry of Tangail’s weavers,” he said, dedicating the achievement to all weavers and women of Bangladesh.
Ambassador Talha added that the inscription strengthens Bangladesh’s broader efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage. He emphasised that the country possesses many other cultural elements worthy of UNESCO recognition and highlighted the need to continue building national capacity in documentation and heritage management.
The 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee was inaugurated on 7 December by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, with newly appointed UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enani in attendance.
