Date: 29 October 2025
Location: Joypurhat – Rangpur
Program: Conservation and Revitalization of Spiritual Heritage of Northern Part of Bangladesh
Status: Self-financed Initiative by Action and Light
Overview
Today, Action and Light conducted a research field visit from Joypurhat to Rangpur as part of its ongoing self-financed research program titled “Conservation and Revitalization of Spiritual Heritage of Northern Part of Bangladesh.”
A diverse group of scholars, teachers, and social activists from Action and Light participated in the field visit, which aimed to explore and document the living traditions, cultural values, and community practices associated with the spiritual heritages of Northern Bangladesh.
Field Engagement in Rangpur
The visiting team explored the Zuhuriya Darbar Sharif, one of the prominent Sufi spiritual centers in the Rangpur region. The visit was enriched by an in-depth discussion and interactive session with Pir Shah Golam Murtaza Azizi, the spiritual custodian of the Darbar, and his community of Sufi practitioners.
The dialogue focused on the preservation of Sufi cultural identity, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and the ways spiritual spaces continue to nurture peace, social harmony, and moral guidance in rural society.
The delegation was led by Dr. Sazzadul Bari, Chairman of Action and Light, who emphasized the importance of recognizing spiritual heritage as a vital part of Bangladesh’s intangible cultural legacy. He noted that such visits help to bridge academic research with lived community experience, inspiring future cultural preservation initiatives.
Future Directions
Action and Light plans to continue similar research visits and documentation efforts across Northern Bangladesh. The insights gathered from these interactions will contribute to an upcoming publication and a community-based action plan for preserving and revitalizing spiritual and cultural heritage.