While on the subject of the hair relics and the footprint of Lord Buddha, we cannot but draw the attention of all and especially the authorities to the rich cultural heritage that Bangladesh has been home to through the centuries. A study of history shows that travellers from various parts of the world have regularly broken or ended journey in what is today Bangladesh. In the process, what has happened is a mingling of cultures or an enrichment of them through taking in new characteristics and eventually having them assimilate in order to throw up a new cultural dimension altogether. From such a perspective, Bangladesh has served as a melting pot with travellers, religious preachers, traders and royalty making their entry into it at different points of time. The result is what we observe before us today --- Mainamati, Paharpur, Sonargaon and other spots of the kind. Relics spanning centuries and touching upon different aspects of people's lives have been found and preserved in museums. A commingling of traditions involving Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism has continually added substance to Bangladesh's heritage.

It is such a heritage that must now be preserved. Regrettably, our cultural diversity is often downplayed, ignored and sometimes deliberately suppressed. This diversity of our heritage must be popularised as part of a concerted programme. The many historical relics in the country must be maintained well and where they are in a bad shape, measures must be taken to restore them.