The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) intangible cultural heritage elements are the non-physical traditions and practices performed by a people. As part of a country's cultural heritage, they include celebrations, festivals, performances, oral traditions, music, and the making of handicrafts. The "intangible cultural heritage" is defined by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, drafted in 2003 and took effect in 2006. Inscription of new heritage elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists for their protection and safeguard is determined by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an organisation established by the convention.

Bangladesh ratified the convention on 11 June 2009. As of 2025, there are six UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages in the country.

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Representative List Name Image Year No. Description Baul songs 2008 00107 The Baul are a group of mystic minstrels of mixed elements of Sufism and Vaishnava Sahajiya from different parts of Bangladesh. Traditional art of Jamdani weaving 2013 00879 Jamdani is a fine muslin textile (figured with different patterns) produced for centuries in South Rupshi of Narayanganj district on the bank of Shitalakshya River. Mangal Shobhajatra on Pahela Baishakh 2016 01091 Mangal Shobhajatra is a mass procession that takes place at dawn on the first day of the Bengali New Year. Traditional art of Shital Pati weaving of Sylhet 2017 01112 Shitalpati is a kind of mat which feels cold by nature. It is made from murta plants (Schumannianthus dichotomus). Rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka 2023 01589 The art in question consists of oil paintings on the rear of the canvas roof of rickshaws, done by local street artists. Traditional Saree weaving art of Tangail 2025 02322 Traditional Saree handweaving art in Tangail.

See also List of World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh List of national monuments of Bangladesh

References

External links UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Official site UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Bangladesh: Official site