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 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?

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

Rickshaw painting is an art unique to Bangladesh with its unusual burst of colours. What started with a view to attracting more customers with colourful rickshaws has now become an ambassador of our lives. UNESCO recently recognised rickshaws and rickshaw paintings as intangible cultural heritage.