Kureghor Prokashoni Ltd’s Ekushey Book Fair stall merges literature and rickshaw painting, showcasing Bangladesh’s artistic heritage. Led by Shamim Rahman Abir, it highlights cultural preservation through Monir Hossain’s vibrant hand-painted designs.

Titled “Rickshaw Artistry: A World Heritage”, the exhibition highlights vibrant, hand-painted posters of superhit films, including the legendary action movie “Shodor Ghater Kuli”, which starred renowned Dhallywood actor Rubel and was directed by Raqibul Alam Raqib.

On 13 August 2024, the Bangladesh Rickshaw Art Society transformed the walls near Sheikh Russel Tower at the Dhaka University campus into a vibrant canvas of rickshaw art.

On 6 December 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inclusion of Bangladesh's iconic rickshaws and rickshaw art on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Similarly, many of our heritage crafts, namely the traditional art of Jamdani and Shital Pati weaving were given recognition by UNESCO in 2013 and 2017 respectively. But how are our artisans doing?

When exactly did we start appreciating the rickshaw, to a point that we now consider it to be part of our collective identity?

With dreams of imparting the art of rickshaw painting to future generations, Monir Hossain envisions establishing a formal institution.

Rickshaw art tells stories of the city's history, folklore, contemporary life, and even features the faces of our celebrated movie stars!

On Monday, 26 September, 2022 Dhaka Kitsch, a charity event supporting the non-profit organisation, Thrive, was held at the Edge Gallery Gulshan. Funded by Tasneem Sinha and Mahbub Mursalin, the event exhibited a collection of T-shirts, with rickshaw art inspired designs by artist and designer, Kuhu Plamondon. Chandana R Dewan, renowned designer and partner for the initiative, was by her side every step of the way, making the event a success.