[Reader-list] FAQ on Bangladesh/Musee Guimet Controversy

[Ihtesham Kazi]

“Guimet of France and Bangladesh Art Treasures”
 
Exhibiting artifacts from one country to the other is always a healthy
sign of cultural exchange, provided it is done properly safeguarding
international norms and standard. But the artifacts bundled up for
Guimet Museum, France from Varendra Research Museum, Rajshahi and
Bangladesh National Museum, Dhaka are yet to be apprised properly. For
that matter each and every items has to be pictured in all dimensions,
measured, evaluated, and insured according to the value of each of them.
Unfortunately, there is much lax and less thoroughness on the part of
the Bangladesh government officials on these priceless objects of our
culture and heritage. As the French Government is not a signatory to the
UNESCO regulations regarding artifacts exchange, this creates doubts
among art lovers that there would be no international binding on the
French government to follow through if any unforeseen thing happens. All
the museums of repute in Europe are beneficiaries of stolen arts, crafts
and artifacts of Asia and Africa, and that experience is always a wakeup
call before any item is let out  of Bangladesh. Moreover, cultural
exchange or exchange of artifacts are two way process, and we are not as
yet sure what kind of reciprocity is there to bring French treasures in
Bangladesh. These are pertinent issues, and should be addressed before
any item is sent to Guimet museum.
 
Ihtesham Kazi
Jahangirnagar University
Bangladesh   

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition. 
Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.16.1/1141 - Release Date:
11/20/2007 11:34 AM