Introduction to the Digitisation Project
The government of Bangladesh has launched a significant initiative aimed at modernising and digitising the National Archives and the National Library. This project is designed to ensure that the next generation has access to the nation’s true history while also preserving its rich cultural heritage. The Department of Archives and Libraries, under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will be responsible for implementing this ambitious plan.
Project Overview and Objectives
The project, titled “Digitisation, Online Service Expansion and Modernisation of the National Archives and the National Library,” is expected to cost approximately Tk 234.70 crore. The funding will come entirely from the government, and the project is scheduled to run from July 2025 to June 2029. The primary goal of the project is to digitise nearly nine crore archival and library materials using advanced technologies such as barcoding, RFID, and other digital methods. This will help in maintaining a systematic preservation of these valuable resources.
In addition to digitisation, the project aims to strengthen the digital security of national data and enhance online access to archival and library resources. It will also include capacity-building programmes for officers and staff of the Department of Archives and Libraries, as well as relevant government offices, to improve their record management skills.
Challenges and Necessity of the Project
With the increasing number of books, documents, newspapers, and magazines being accumulated daily, the need for a more efficient storage system has become evident. According to the project documents, no record in the National Archives can be destroyed, highlighting the importance of preserving these materials.
As literacy rates rise, people’s creativity is increasingly expressed through various publications. However, the manual storage of these collections requires considerable space, and if the growth continues at this pace, it may eventually become impossible to accommodate them all. Moreover, the physical records may deteriorate over time, making them unusable and depriving future generations of access to authentic historical materials.
Project Implementation and Approval
To address these challenges, the restructured Development Project Proposal/Proforma (DPP) of the project has been submitted to the Bangladesh Planning Commission for approval. The National Archives and the National Library are both located in Dhaka, so the project area has been limited to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar under Dhaka North City Corporation.
Feasibility studies conducted by the Bangladesh Computer Council in 2023 and by BUET in 2021 have endorsed the project as timely and practical. These studies have highlighted the importance of modernising the archives and libraries to meet the growing demands of the population.
Financial Breakdown of the Project
The project includes several major components with specific financial allocations:
- Tk 155 crore for data preservation
- Tk 14.95 crore for fittings and fixtures
- Tk 32.14 crore for fire safety equipment
- Tk 6.50 crore for cameras and accessories
- Tk 4.99 crore for software procurement
These funds will be used to ensure the successful implementation of the project and the effective modernisation of the National Archives and the National Library.
Significance of the Project
The National Archives and the National Library are among the most important means of expressing people’s creativity, especially with the growing literacy rate in the country. In this context, the project will play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Bangladesh’s historical and cultural heritage for research and educational purposes.
The Planning Commission, in its observations, stated that the project would transform the National Archives and the National Library into fully digital repositories. This transformation will enhance the preservation, security, and accessibility of Bangladesh’s invaluable historical and cultural records.
Conclusion
The digitisation and modernisation project represents a significant step towards ensuring the long-term preservation of Bangladesh’s cultural and historical heritage. By leveraging modern technologies and investing in the necessary infrastructure, the government is taking proactive measures to safeguard the nation’s past for future generations. This initiative not only addresses current challenges but also lays the foundation for a more accessible and secure archive system that meets the evolving needs of the public.