The ministry is primarily responsible for preservation, research and development of national cultural heritage, fine arts of Bangladesh. Among others, the function of the ministry includes preservation, research and development of archaeology, architecture, sculpture, library and to facilitate introduction & development of Bengali language.

1. Preservation, research and development of national cultural heritage and fine arts of Bangladesh.
2. Archaeology, architecture and sculpture.
3. Promotion and development of Public Libraries/ National Library.
4. To facilitate introduction of Bengali language in all fields of life.
5. Maintenance and repairs of ancient and historical monuments including those declared to be of national importance.
6. (a) Observance of Shaheed Day on the 21st February.
   1) Amended Vide Cabinet Division Notification No. CD-4/1/94-Rules (Part-2)/81, Dated-31st July, 2000.
   (b) 21st February Award (Ekushe Padak).
7. Grants-in-aid to cultural organization.
8. International Organizations and other international programmes in the fields of culture and heritage.
9. Encouragement in the growth and development of fine arts and national culture and heritage.
10. Pride of performance ; merit awards in fine arts, culture, heritage, etc.
11. Organizations and participation in national and international cultural meets.
12. Development of publications in the fields of literature, culture and heritage.
13. National bodies relating to culture and heritage and grants-in-aid to them.
14. Cultural agreements with foreign countries.
15. Exchange of cultural teams with foreign countries.
16. Folk literature, folk culture, folk museum.
17. Pension to literatures, artists, etc.
18. Secretariat administration including financial matters.
19. Administration and control of subordinate offices and organizations under this Ministry.
20. Liaison with International Organizations and matters relating to treaties and agreements with other countries and world bodies relating to subjects allotted to this Ministry.
21. All laws and subjects allotted to this Ministry.
22. Statistics on any of the subjects allotted to this Ministry.
23. Fees in respect of any of the subjects allotted to this Ministry except fees taken in courts.