Rajbari fort in Netrakona needs govt patronage to preserve historical sites

NETRAKONA, Oct 26:Rajbari fort in Kendua upazila of Netrakona district is one of the historical sites of the ancient rulers of Bengal.

The fort has witnessed many historical events. The ground of this royal house trembled at the knocking sound of Sultan Husain Shah, Nasrat Shah and Ishankha's cavalry. Although that history is not yet fully known, this ancient fort still stands as a witness to their arrogance and solar energy.

However, many things have changed in the evolution of time. The form of this fort is not the same as before. As if it is the silentspectator of time in a ruin after negligence. There is no public or private initiative to preserve this historical interest. After a while, the Department of Archaeology started some activities, but it stopped all of a sudden.

Currently, some enthusiastic peoplevisit the Rajbari to see this fort. But the way to that area is absolutely inaccessible. Since there is no mud in the sand in the dry season, there is some opportunity to go there. Even the bullock cart does not run in the rainy season.

Kendua upazila is the birthplace of several talented people of the district. The fort of Rajbari village is located on the east side of the Betai river, lost in the whirlpool of time, at Kendua, about 45 km from the district town.

The distance from Kendua Upazila Sadar is only 6 kilometers. But the communication system is so bad that no one will want to go. Sensing its existence through the locals, the Archaeological Department carried out excavations at the Rajbari fort at different times from 1991 to 1993. After a long excavation, this archaeological pattern surfaced from beneath the ground.

These patterns were buried under the ground almost two decades ago. Many people have different opinions about this pattern. Many think it may have been a 12-door mosque. Solid carved walls and one pillar. The pillars are of stone. There is a tunnel next to it. And there is the shrine of Niyamat Bibi. There are two ponds in front of the fort. Among the landmarks of the mosque are huge arches made of marble. Locals said that if the communication system and publicity could be further enhanced, it could be considered as a good tourist spot for Netrakona.

According to local sources, a caretaker has been appointed in the fort at present. But adequate facilities were not provided.

The locals have different thoughts about this fort. But the people of the area complain that even with very few antiquities, many areas have made a name for themselves in the country. They think that many tourists from home and abroad will come to this royal house to preserve the antiquities in any government or private initiative including a road. The reputation of the area will increase. The wheel of the area's economy will also be in motion.

Though there are various speculations about the fort, the truth is that if the fort can be maintained and improved road connectivity, the reputation of Netrakona will increase and the locals think that the government will also benefit from its recognition as a tourist area.

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