Several projects soon to protect heritage sites

A house built with the bricks illegally collected from the wall of historic archaeologial site at Mahasthan, right, the ruins of an ancient wall. Photo: STAR

The Department of Archaeology will launch several projects to develop four important archaeological sites of the country with Tk 108 crore financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB) by next month.
According to officials, the projects include renovation and protection of sites besides enhancement of tourist facilities.
With the fund, the department will start a number of development works at Paharpur Buddhist Bihar in Naogaon district, Mahasthan in Bogra, Kantaji Temple in Dinajpur and Shat Gambuj Mosque in Bagerhat district, Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, said last week.
Paharpur Buddhist Temple and Shat Gambuj Mosque are on the list of World Heritage Sites prepared by Unesco.
“Three hundred ninety three more protected archaeological sites in the country will also be developed gradually provided funds are available. To improve tourism centring the archaeological sites, the government will share ideas with tour operators and civil society,” he said.
"To attract visitors including foreigners in ancient sites of Mahasthan, Paharpur, Kantaji Temple and Shat Gambuj Mosque, steps will be taken to develop the areas and facilities like modern accommodation will be enhanced," said Md Shafiqul Islam, director general of the Department of Archaeology.
Several terracotta artefacts have been stolen from over 1200-year-old Paharpur site in absence of proper monitoring by the authorities concerned, local sources said.
A section of local people have damaged the fortification walls along with some other archaeological objects from Mahasthan, a historic sight dating back around 2500 years.
Besides, a number of terracotta of 300-year-old Kantaji Temple have been damaged due to high salinity in the area, archaeology department sources said.