It is a widely recognized feature of Dhaka to see rickshaws, a three-wheeled human-powered transport. Rickshaw artisans are highly regarded for their traditional method of creating rickshaws by hand.
Dhaka, known as the Rickshaw Capital of the World, is ablaze with new rickshaws. Rickshaw craftsmen and rickshaw artists are the bearers and practitioners of the element. Rickshaws are crafted through a process. During this process, five rickshaw craftsmen work sequentially to construct one rickshaw. The knowledge and skills referenced by the tenant fall into two categories: (1) rickshaw craftsmanship; and (2) rickshaw painting knowledge and skills. Rickshaw craftsmanship is taught to apprentices by word of mouth and practical demonstration by experienced rickshaw craftsmen. Children and close relatives of rickshaw artists usually inherit their knowledge and skills. There are both male and female rickshaw artisans, but the rickshaw craftsmen are all men.
As a form of urban folk art, rickshaw painting is a highly entertaining and eye-catching form. To the general public, rickshaw painting is stunning and captivating. Its kaleidoscopic pictures tell stories of Bangladesh, everyday life, and what rickshaw artists see as a kaleidoscopic view of their imaginations. Despite its laborious nature and apparent opposition to a globalized market, rickshaw craftsmanship is a universal symbol of hard work and perseverance. As a result of this accepted culture of hard work and commitment, Dhaka's economy continues to thrive.
By inscription of this element, it will also encourage its practitioners to celebrate peaceful coexistence and the heritage of Dhaka. Therefore, the inscription of the element would increase the visibility of intangible cultural heritage in general and raise local awareness of its significance. There are even workshops and exhibitions sponsored by foreign art connoisseurs that feature rickshaw paintings. Since exhibitions of rickshaw paintings are regularly held, the inscription would encourage dialogue between rickshaw artists and connoisseurs. Thus, the inscription would promote human creativity and respect for cultural diversity.
Through various statutory institutions, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh safeguards the element. Documentation and promotion of the element have received more funding. In Dhaka, apprehension about the event has grown since 1999. Bangladesh National Museum partnered with Alliance Française of France to present a month-long exhibition of 83 works by rickshaw artists. A book of Henry Glassie's Traditional Art of Dhaka was published in 2000 by the Bangla Academy. An exhibition of the contemporary traditional art of Bangladesh was organized at the invitation of Bangladesh National Muséum Henry Glassie and Firoz Mahmud. |Subject=Art, Craftsmanship, and Practices |Country=Bangladesh |SDG=(05) Gender Equality, (08) Decent Work and Economic Growth }}