Communicating Prehistory in Bangladesh: Museum Practices, Public Engagement, and the Potential of Emerging Technologies

Sikder Md Zulkernine

This paper analyses how prehistoric materials and deep-time narratives are communicated in selected Bangladeshi museum settings: the Bangladesh National Museum, the Jahangirnagar University Archaeology Museum and associated teaching collections, the University of Chittagong Museum, and the Mainamati Museum. To situate these cases within wider patterns of archaeological communication, the study also considers some other local museum context. The analysis is grounded in publicly accessible museum descriptions, reference works, and scholarly publications, accession histories, or display initiatives. The findings suggest that where prehistoric materials are clearly visible in accessible records, interpretation remains largely object-centred and text-heavy, which can constrain engagement for diverse audiences. Where prehistoric significance is supported mainly through regional archaeological scholarship rather than museum catalogues, the key challenge is translating research knowledge into coherent and accessible public narratives. The paper proposes a phased, context-sensitive approach to improvement. It priorities interpretive restructuring and stronger public documentation, then introduces low-cost digital supports such as QR-linked interpretation and short audio-visual modules. More immersive applications, including AR/VR, are recommended only where they align with defined learning goals and can be maintained sustainably. The study contributes to current debates on “museums and beyond” by outlining practical pathways for inclusive science communication of prehistory.