The architectural legacy of Muzharul Islam, one of Bangladesh’s most influential pioneers of modern architecture, is currently being presented through the exhibition “Spaces of Belonging – The Architecture of Muzharul Islam” at the Bangladesh National Library in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka. The travelling exhibition offers an opportunity to revisit Islam’s distinctive architectural vision and his enduring contribution to the architectural identity of Bangladesh. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 13 August 2026, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The exhibition holds particular significance due to its venue—the Bangladesh National Library Building in Agargaon, regarded as the last public building designed by Muzharul Islam. Presenting his work within one of his own architectural creations offers visitors a meaningful opportunity to engage with his ideas and legacy in a direct spatial context. The travelling exhibition was previously launched at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, in May 2026.

“Spaces of Belonging” Exhibition at Bangladesh National Library (Source: Design Commune)

Presented in conjunction with the recently published book of the same title, Spaces of Belonging – The Architecture of Muzharul Islam, the exhibition features a series of large-format photographs by Swiss architect, researcher and editor Niklaus Graber. Taken during his visits to Bangladesh over more than a decade, the photographs document selected works of Muzharul Islam while exploring the relationship between architecture, landscape, climate, materials, and local context.

Image 1 & 2 - “Spaces of Belonging - The Architecture of Muzharul Islam” titled book (Source: Quart Publishers)

Image 3 - Editor of the book: Niklaus Graber (Source: Social Media)

Rather than presenting Muzharul Islam’s buildings as isolated architectural objects, the exhibition highlights the ideas and principles underlying his practice. His work demonstrates a thoughtful integration of modern architecture with the local climate, landscape, society and culture. While influenced by the principles of international modernism, his architecture remained deeply rooted in the realities of Bangladesh and the everyday life of its people. His approach continues to hold relevance in contemporary discussions on contextual and climate-responsive architecture.

The exhibition accompanies Spaces of Belonging – The Architecture of Muzharul Islam, edited by Niklaus Graber and published by Quart Publishers. The publication brings together photographs, original drawings and essays that examine Muzharul Islam’s architectural works within both their historical context and contemporary architectural discourse.

Exhibition: 8–13 August 2026
Time: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Venue: Bangladesh National Library, Justice S.M. Murshed Sarani, Agargaon, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka
Exhibition Design: Niklaus Graber in collaboration with Design Commune
Photography: Arafat Nawaz Aunkur.