Heritage sites left uncared for in Sylhet
Most archaeological sites in Sylhet, even the protected ones, have been left uncared for as neither the Department of Archaeology nor the local administration are being able to take proper care of them due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In recent visits to such sites in the city and nearby upazilas, this correspondent found that many of the protected sites' were being gradually grabbed and some were missing artifacts -- either misplaced, damaged or stolen.
A section of the Jaintiapur heritage site in Sylhet was being used as a parking lot for trucks while its megalithic remains were left unattended. Even the notice that says the site is protected has become worn out and almost impossible to read. There are total seven heritage sites in Jaintiapur, which need immediate attention.
The condition of Laurer Garh at Sunamganj was not any better either.
As tourists are not flocking to the sites due to the recent shutdown, most archaeological sites lie neglected.
According to DoA, there are 17 protected sites in Sylhet division and around 700 archaeological monuments, which are not officially protected under the Antiquity Act.
Abdul Hye Al-Hadi, chief coordinator of Save the Heritage and Environment, said, "Archaeological monuments and sites are always neglected. During the pandemic when people are confined to home, some vested quarters are taking the advantage to destroy and grab those. As the archaeology department doesn't have site or district offices, local administration should step forward to protect the heritage sites."
Archaeologist Dr Ataur Rahman, regional director of DoA, said, "It was quite difficult to protect all archaeological heritages in regular time as we don't have offices in many districts; this recent pandemic has made the situation even worse."
It is important to have district and site offices at every archaeologically enriched localities. "Our regional office for Chattagram and Sylhet is located in Cumilla and we are not able to look after the heritages, spread at every corner of the divisions," he mentioned.
He said they are urging the local administrations to take proper care of the sites, as they have responsibilities and allocation.
Contacted, Md Hannan Miah, director general of DoA, said, "Some minor incidents of misplacing a few artifacts from archaeological sites are taking place during the pandemic, but nothing major will happen as we are alert in this regard. Maintenance of most sites is not being possible at this time due to a crisis of contractual workers. But we are trying to encourage them to work maintaining physical distance."
Local administrations are also helping them to keep the sites protected, he said.
Asked, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Jaintiapur Nahida Parvin said, "Usually, the archaeology department assigns people, mostly locals, to look after the sites. We will get in touch with them to inquire about the present condition and make sure they are being looked after."
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