BGB hands over seven ancient statues to archaeological museum

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has handed over seven ancient statues and archaeological artefacts to the Department of Archaeology for preservation. The artefacts were recovered from various locations in Dinajpur at different times. On Tuesday (August 18), the Dinajpur Battalion (42 BGB) handed over the historical artefacts to the representative of the Kantanagar Archaeological Museum.

BGB said three ancient stone statues were recovered in separate operations on July 5 this year in the Belaichundi Malipara area of Parbatipur upazila and the Ichhail area of Kaharol upazila. Subsequently, a decision was taken to hand over the recovered artefacts to the Archaeology Department following a court directive.

Additionally, four other archaeological artefacts recovered at different times from various areas of Dinajpur's Biral and Khansama upazilas had been in BGB custody for a long time. Steps were taken to hand over these artefacts for preservation after receiving directives from the concerned authorities and the court.

After completing the formalities on Tuesday, a total of seven statues and artefacts were handed over to Md Shihab Hossain, Assistant Custodian of Kantanagar Archaeological Museum, Kaharol, Dinajpur. Earlier, on April 30, BGB had handed over three ancient stone statues, and on May 11, another one, to the concerned archaeological museum authorities.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Moeen Hasan, commanding officer of the Dinajpur Battalion, said archaeological artefacts are an important part of a country's history, heritage and cultural identity. Considering the historical and archaeological significance of these artefacts, BGB is working diligently to prevent their illegal trafficking and destruction.

He also said intelligence surveillance and regular operations have been stepped up in the border areas. The recovered artefacts are being handed over to the appropriate authorities to ensure their preservation. At the same time, BGB operations will continue to curb all types of crimes, including drugs, human trafficking, arms and other cross-border smuggling.