DHAKA, June 8, 2024 (BSS) – The International Archives Day-2024 will be observed in the country like elsewhere in the world tomorrow aiming to bolster cooperation among archival institutions around the world and to develop their activities for preserving archival records and ensuring their availability for use.
 
On the eve of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages wishing success of the day.

In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said: "I am happy to know that the International Archives Day is being celebrated in Bangladesh like in other countries of the world with the initiative of the Department of Archives and Library.”

He greeted the users of archives, researchers and the officials and employees of the Department of Archives and Library.

The old documents kept in the National Archives are invaluable and acceptable documents for all including journalists, intellectuals, teachers and researchers from home and abroad in practicing history, the head of the state said.

The historical value of the documents held in the National Archives is also high in terms of reference and source of objective information, he added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said: "The International Archives Organization (The International Council on Archives) at its annual general meeting in 2007 decided to observe ‘June 9’ as the 'International Archives Day' because on this day in 1948, the organization was founded.” 

“I am very happy to know that Bangladesh National Archives as a member of The International Council on Archives is celebrating 'International Archives Day' in Bangladesh like other countries of the world,” the premier added.

She said that the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman considered the preservation of Bengali's heroic history, proud heritage and contemporary culture.

In that context, Bangabandhu established all important institutions for the management of the state structure side by side establishing 'Bangladesh National Archives', the central archive of history, heritage and culture in 1972, she said.

In 1974, the Father of the Nation donated two acres of land for the National Archives in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city and took all initiatives to construct a permanent building for the institution under the First Five Year Plan, she said.

After the brutal killing of the father of the nation and most of his family members, the undemocratic governments of this country did not take any initiative to advance this institution, she said.

“Rather they distorted our proud history and wanted to erase the name of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from this country,” Sheikh Hasina added.

“After forming the government in 1996, we presented the true history of our great liberation war before the nation,” she said.

On June 14, 2001, the foundation stone of the National Archives Building was laid, she said, adding that in last fifteen and a half years, the Awami League (AL)-led government has taken several initiatives to improve the infrastructure and services of the National Archives.

“We have started the process of digitization of traditional/old documents. As a result of which, all including our researchers, writers, litterateurs , professionals, students, cultural workers , employees of the People's Republic and policy makers are benefiting in many ways,” she said.

She said that the documents, created today, will be considered as historical documents and valuable archival materials of tomorrow.

The premier said that archives and archivists play a very important role in maintaining social responsibility, transparency, the practice of democracy and the preservation of history and heritage.

“I hope our archivists will devote themselves to making Bangladesh National Archives a more prosperous archive by applying their innovative abilities and skills,” she said.

Both the President and the Premier wished all successes of the programmes taken in connection with the observance of the International Archives Day-2024.