Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-The Korea International Cooperation Agency  (KOICA) will provide $1.0 mn as grant aid to support capacity building of Bangladesh National Museum.

Technique for Cultural Heritage (CATCH)’ Project A Record of Discussions (RD) has been signed between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) on December 27, 2015 at the ERD Conference Room.

The main purpose of the training and supply of conservation equipment under a 3 (three) year project titled “Conservation with Advanced Technique for Cultural Heritage (CATCH).”

Mr. Kim Jihoon, Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh Office, Mr. Mohammad Asif-uz-Zaman, Additional Secretary of ERD and Mr. Md. Mashiur Rahman, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Cultural Affairs signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

Under this agreement, KOICA will spend USD 1 million as grant aid mainly to provide local and invitational training courses, necessary equipment, books on cultural heritage conservation.

Local training courses will be conducted by Korean experts for concerned staffs of Bangladesh National Museum and Department of Archeology on metal treatment, manuscript treatment, textile treatment, museum exhibition, excavation site management & conservation.

Managerial and working level courses for concerned personnel will be arranged in Korea as part of invitational training course.

Various modern equipment for conservation analysis, conservation treatment and conservation management will be supplied.

Management plan for better management of the conservation laboratory of Bangladesh National Museum will be prepared.

A conservation manual in both Bangla and English will be prepared to disseminate conservation related lessons learned during the project period. Mr. Kim Jihoon, Country Director, KOICA Bangladesh Office expects the project will enhance the capacity of conservation related staffs and contribute to the conservation of cultural heritage in Bangladesh.

He emphasized the long friendship between Bangladesh and Korea, wishing for its continuation.

BBN/SK/AD