Bangladesh, being a part of the Indus valley civilisation, has a treasury of many traditional heritage sites located all over her boundaries. Looking back into the history, this land has been home to Nawabs as well as the British.
After its independence, with transport and tourism trying to make it as a part of the country's economy, its locals have not only known these heritage sites but the whole world has known of these legacies.
Sadly, many heritage sites are now in ruins due to the lack of proper maintenance and therefore, their preservation has become a dilemma. UNESCO has declared three of thesites as world heritage sites, yet their conservation is scarce. Let us know today about more such places that are a significant of our legacy, but will be lost if necessary steps are not taken soon.
Ruins of the Buddhist Bihara, Paharpur
This heritage dates back to around the 800 AD, built by Dharmapala, an emperor of the Pala dynastyand is located in Naogaon. Being one of the most ancient monasteries, this spot was declared as one of the world heritage sites by UNESCO in 1985.
This Bihara has an exquisite collection of Terracotta, most of which has been destroyed as they were not properly preserved. Over 500 pieces of such terracotta has been either broken or has fallen prey tothieves and smugglers. Another eighteen hundred are still in place, but are expected to soon go missing as well.
Mahabub-Ul-Alam, former curator of the site, said, "As many as 2305 terracotta plaques were found in 2004. "He also mentioned that the main reason behind this is water, cascading down and washing away, and depositing and corroding all that's left.
In an article published by The Daily Star in 2007, Shafiqul Alam, Director, Department of Archaeology (DA), said that Somapura Mahavihara has Sbeen in ruins due to proper maintenance and inadequate funding. Water deposition in the central has caused its walls to collapse. A petition has been filed, asking for governmental funds. However, no further step has been taken yet.
Kantaji Mondir, Dinajpur
The Kantaji Mondir shares a similar fate as the Somapura Mahavihara. Much exquisite terracotta has also gone missing from this heritage site constructed in 1752 AD by Maharaja Pran Nath.
This temple is one of the three nine ornamental spires or nava-ratna of the country. However, an earthquake in 1897 broke the spires and the jewels were stolen. Treasuring the greatest number of terracotta, this temple is also falling apart due to salinity.
M Abdul Khaleque, regional director of DA said that only BDT 2 lac is more than enough to save this structure from salinity. Another priceless national treasure is in ruins, as it cannot afford only BDT 2 lac.
Panam Nagar, Shonargaon
The current state of Panam Nagar is one of the most disappointing ones in terms of preservation. Fifty-two buildings, which date back centuries, are in complete ruin.
It was declared as a heritage site, and a conservation programme was to be set up. However, visitors still come across people, living in these crumbling brick structures.
Being the former capital of a rich delta, it was one of the most active commerce centres of the country. Sadly, its conservation is still in negligence.
Old Dhaka, a thorn in urbanisation
The old part of Dhaka city is more than four-hundred years old. Many archaeological heritage sites are still standing in this region. Many splendid structures in Farashganj, Narinda, Shankharibazar, and Sutrapur need immediate attention.
In an article published by The Daily Star, architect Shamsul Wares said, "There are at least 200 heritage buildings in Dhaka that should be brought under conservation scheme immediately. Conservation of heritage will enhance the image of Dhaka that has evolved on the river Buriganga over centuries."
Md Shafiqul Alam, in this regard said that, the department has a total of 12 enlisted heritage sites in Dhaka which includes Bara Katra, Chhoto Katra, Hoseni Dalan, Lalbagh Fort, Hazi Khaza Shabaz Mosque, Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque, Ruplal House, Sankhanidhi House, Sat Masjid and North Brook Hall.
Along with those, Rose Garden, Old Eidgah Matth (field), Ruplal House, Shankhanidhi House, Radha Krishan Temple and Bhajahari Lodge are also listed. They have 400 enlisted heritage sites across the country with 500 buildings but it can only employ 472 staffs, and working efficiently with such a limited work force is not possible for him.
The Binat Bibi Mosque, which is one of the most ancient existing mosques of the country, is now in ruins. Its authorities have decided to break it down and rebuild the mosque in an advanced architectural design.
We as citizens also have a responsibility towards our heritage. Even though some matters may be out of our hands, but we, as responsible citizens, can at least regulate and monitor theft, destruction and illegal settlements. Also, we could try not to desecrate the sites further by abominable behaviour.
