Preserving heritage

The Mahastangarh archaeological site at Bogra which bears the signs of ancient civilisation in Bangladesh was reported to be under a threat from encroachers and grabbers. Recently, according to reports, the relics of the capital of Issa Khan, the independent ruler who dared the might of the Mughals in the sixteenth century, came under similar threat. A similar state is facing the Bara Katra and Chhota Katra in old Dhaka. These two buildings are among the few still remaining structures from the time of the Mughals in Dhaka in the sixteenth century. brThe maintenance activities of the ministry of cultural affairs have not been up to the mark. The centuries-old bricks and other artefacts are removed by the grabbers.brBesides, many other heritage sites needs the recognition for taking over by the ministry for preservation. But this is not being done. Therefore, the need is essentially two-fold. Firstly, to ensure that the sites controlled by the ministry should be secure and properly looked after. Secondly, an effort needed to identify all the sites of historical, cultural or archaeological interests in the country and to quickly to bring them under government's care for proper preservation and maintenance.brShamshunnahar BhuiyanbrTejkunipara brTejgaon, brDhaka