Steps to protect heritage sites
Jaintiapur upazila administration put up information boards which present history of the archaeological sites once unmarked and difficult to find
Jaintiapur upazila in Sylhet is known as the land of the lost kingdom of Jaintia. Ruins of the still standing kingdom are considered archaeological heritage of the greater Sylhet region.
Over the years, these uncared-for ruins, which are of great tourist interest, were unmarked and difficult to find in the upazila.
In a move to promote the sites, the upazila administration installed sign boards around the area to direct tourists with ease.
In addition, they have put up information boards at the sites itself that contain a brief historical description of the site so that people are aware of the true past.
In the first phase of the project, the sign boards have been set at five spots -- Jaintia Rajbari, Jainteshwari Bari, Dhupi Moth and Panshala, The Tomb of King Bijoy Sing and Megalithic structures.
Abdul Hye Al-Hadi, coordinator of Save the Heritage and Environment, said, “These archaeological heritages represent the cultural history of the land and these were supposed to be cared for with the highest possible dedication. But unfortunately, these were uncared for a very long time.”
“We are glad that the upazila administration has finally taken an initiative to put up signs and information boards so that people can understand that these are not just some broken structures, but it is a part of history that must not be removed.”
Maureen Karim, upazila nirbahi officer of Jaintiapur, said, “This upazila hosts amazing archaeological sites which were left unmaintained for a very long time, were being destroyed or the lands were even being grabbed.”
“There is confusion with the history behind these archaeological sites as well. For example, people identify Jainteshwari (a temple of goddess) as the Rajbari (palace),, but the palace is actually in some other place,” the UNO said.
“So, we decided to put up the boards at the historically important archaeological sites with a brief and true history. Sign boards were put up in some places under the first phase. The rest will be marked soon.”