01. Journals and periodicals
Heritage Archives has acquired a significant collection of journals and periodicals spanning over 30,000 unique titles, many of which are not preserved in any other library in Bangladesh. These periodicals hold immense historical and cultural value, as they frequently publish special issues on underrepresented topics such as leftist political thought, labor and trade union movements, religious fundamentalism, and grassroots activism. Often produced by independent publishers, political groups, and alternative media outlets, these publications provide rare insights into the ideological diversity, social struggles, and shifting political currents that have shaped contemporary Bangladesh. By preserving these materials, Heritage ensures that critical voices and forgotten narratives remain accessible to future generations of researchers, students, and activists.
02. POSTERS
Heritage Archives has curated a remarkable collection of approximately 5000 posters that visually capture the spirit of Bangladesh’s cultural and political landscape. These posters span a wide range of themes, including progressive cultural movements, campaigns by leftist and underground political parties, and calls to action during critical moments in the nation’s history. The collection also features posters from festivals, social gatherings, awareness campaigns, and events organized by student, labor, and women's organizations. Together, these posters offer a powerful visual narrative of the evolving dynamics of resistance, identity, and public expression in Bangladesh.
03. BOOKLETS, LEAFLETS
Heritage Archives has collected a diverse and rare assortment of over 5,000 booklets and leaflets that reflect the political, social, and cultural currents of Bangladesh’s recent history. These materials include manifestos, campaign literature, awareness pamphlets, cultural event handouts, and organizational leaflets produced by political parties, social movements, student groups, and cultural collectives. Often circulated briefly and overlooked by traditional libraries, these ephemeral documents offer an intimate look into the language of activism, grassroots communication, and ideological outreach across decades. Their preservation ensures that these transient yet powerful voices are not lost to time.
04. BOOKS ON LOCAL HISTORY AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
An important focus of Heritage Archives is its extensive work on local studies and the indigenous communities of Bangladesh. The archive holds a dedicated collection of around 10,000 books covering all 64 districts of the country. These materials include local histories, regional publications, memoirs, district-specific research, and rare documentation that provide deep insight into the social, cultural, political, and economic life of different regions. In addition, Heritage preserves a valuable and growing collection of books and publications on the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh, with particular attention to their histories, traditions, rights movements, and cultural expressions. These collections help bridge the gap between mainstream historical narratives and the lived realities of marginalized communities, offering a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the nation.
05. GOVT. PUBLICATIONS
Heritage Archives has also curated an exceptional collection of official records and government publications that are critical for historical research and public understanding. These include District Gazetteers, Survey and Settlement Operation Reports, and a comprehensive range of Census Reports dating from 1872 to 1951 — all of which provide valuable demographic and administrative insights into colonial and early post-colonial Bangladesh. The archive also preserves Annual Administration Reports from 1870 onward, along with Education Commission Reports, various Acts, Manuals, Ordinances, and By-laws that have shaped the country’s legal and policy framework over time. In addition, it houses a significant number of Archaeological Reports, shedding light on the physical heritage and ancient sites of the region. Together, these materials form a vital foundation for serious historical, legal, and cultural research.
06. Paper Clippings
Heritage Archives maintains a rich collection of newspaper clippings from almost all major daily newspapers in Bangladesh. These have been carefully classified into 50 thematic categories, covering a wide range of topics such as the Liberation Movement, New Year festivals, religion, minority communities, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The collection also includes clippings on local history, leading public figures, leftist politics, student and labor movements, women’s rights and organizations, border issues, minority repression, and the role of NGOs in social transformation. This curated archive provides a unique window into Bangladesh’s evolving political, cultural, and social landscape.
09. PAPER CLIPPINGS
Heritage has already collected journals and periodicals on about 3200 titles. The periodicals are important because no library in Bangladesh collects them. These periodicals often publish special issues on left politics, on labour movements, on fundamentalists, etc.
Contribute to the Archive
We’re always looking to expand our archive with meaningful materials — documents, photographs, leaflets, journals, posters, and more. If you have something that captures Bangladesh’s cultural, political, or social story, we’d love to hear from you.