Dhaka adieus Lingjiatan treasures, building connections
Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
The curtain has fallen on a landmark event at the Bangladesh National Museum, where the month-long exhibition on the ancient civilization of Lingjiatan concluded on Friday.
For the first time, Bangladesh hosted a jade culture exhibition through a museum-to-museum collaboration with Anhui Provincial Museum, drawing over 12,000 visitors to marvel at 6,000-year-old treasures, authorities said.
From the opening day, crowds flocked to see jade eagles, ritual objects, and pottery from Lingjiatan, Anhui Province in China. Their craftsmanship left audiences spellbound, with many saying the exhibition was more than artifacts—it was a bridge across centuries and continents into the heart of Chinese civilization.
“I never imagined that jade could carry so much meaning,” said Rafia Khan, a regular museumgoer who lingered by the display of jade eagles, jade dragons and jade figurines. “It’s not just jewelry or decoration; it’s history, belief, and artistry all in one. I feel like I’ve traveled to Anhui Province without leaving Dhaka.”
For Abdul Mannan, the exhibition was a revelation. “These artifacts are older than most civilizations we usually study, yet they look so sophisticated. It makes you wonder about the lives and rituals of those people thousands of years ago. I hope the National Museum keeps bringing exhibitions like this. It’s a chance to know the world.”
The exhibition drew not only seasoned enthusiasts but also families and students. “I’ve read about Chinese history, but seeing these objects in person is a different experience,” said Dhaka University student Alifa Rahman. “The Lingjiatan culture is now real for me, not just a paragraph in a book. It has sparked my curiosity to learn more about ancient Anhui.”
Children were equally engaged, tugging at their parents’ hands and pointing toward figurines and carved jades. “This kind of exhibition teaches children better than textbooks,” said Mohammad Ali, who came with his two young sons.
Others saw it as a window to friendship between nations. “This exhibition is not only about history but about connection,” said businessman Qamrul Islam. “China has opened its culture to us in a generous way. I hope Bangladesh can do the same in return. Culture builds bridges faster than politics.”
Asma Ferdousi, Keeper (Director) and Head of the Department of Public Education at the Bangladesh National Museum called the exhibition “a milestone in cultural exchange.”
She explained that never before had the museum hosted a jade culture exhibition, nor had there been a direct museum-to-museum collaboration with China.
“This partnership with Anhui Provincial Museum has set a new precedent,” she said. “The enthusiasm has been extraordinary. Over 12,000 people visited the exhibition, which shows how eager Bangladeshis are to explore world civilizations.”
National Museum Secretary Md Sadekul Islam told the New Nation, “To strengthen the friendship between the two countries, this is a unique initiative. For the first time, such an initiative through the museums of both nations has added a new dimension.”
“China has proposed that such exhibitions be organised every year in Bangladesh and China, which will further strengthen people-to-people ties and enhance cultural exchanges. We view this proposal positively, and we are working on it,” he said.
As the jade artifacts return to Anhui Province, the memories they leave behind in Dhaka are profound. Visitors walked away not only with admiration for the artistry of the Lingjiatan people but also with a yearning for more opportunities to connect with civilizations beyond their own borders.
Tania Rahman, a college student, said, “This wasn’t just an exhibition; rather it was an invitation to imagine, to connect, and to keep exploring.”