Rajshahi divisional convening committee formed to protect archaeological heritage

The National Committee for Protection of Archaeological Heritage has formed a Rajshahi divisional convening committee to strengthen citizen engagement in protecting historical sites, heritage, and cultural legacy.

The committee was formed at a meeting held at Amana Fan Village in Rajshahi on Thursday afternoon, organised by the National Committee for Protection of Archaeological Heritage.

The chief guest at the meeting was the central general secretary of the National Committee for Protection of Archaeological Heritage and Supreme Human Rights Commissioner Yuri Bajramuni, who is also a representative of the world-record holding Super Human Rights Organisation.

Professor Dr Iftikharul Alam Masud, Registrar of Rajshahi University, presented a keynote speech on the preservation of archaeological heritage and raising social awareness.

Poet Mustak Rahman, founder and director of the organisation and also founder director of the 'Brajrapran Dhyan and Janabad Darshan Education Centre', also spoke at the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Mahbub Siddiqui, president of the National Committee for Protection of Archaeological Heritage.

The announcement of the Rajshahi divisional convening committee was made at the meeting. Based on the opinions of representatives present, the committee was approved to conduct organisational activities and strengthen heritage preservation efforts.

Speakers at the meeting stressed the importance of raising public awareness to protect the country's archaeological heritage and cultural traditions. They called for effective initiatives to preserve heritage sites, particularly by engaging the younger generation.

Yuri Bajramuni said the preservation of archaeological heritage is not just about protecting history but also a crucial responsibility to safeguard national identity and cultural heritage. In this regard, the role of social organisations is extremely important.

Professor Dr Iftikharul Alam Masud said awareness must be raised at the local level and research-based initiatives undertaken to prevent the destruction of archaeological heritage.

Poet Mustak Rahman said impartial and voluntary initiatives are needed to protect archaeological heritage scattered across different regions of the country.

Speakers at the meeting also recalled the initiative to recover and bring back Bangladeshi archaeological heritage smuggled to the Guimet Museum in France in 2007. They noted that Bangladesh has recovered many important artefacts through international awareness and legal initiatives, efforts that need to be further strengthened in the future.

President Mahbub Siddiqui said a voluntary and social movement will be built to protect the country's archaeological heritage in keeping with the times. He called upon everyone to work together.

Representatives from six districts of Rajshahi division were present at the meeting.

The organisation said the new convening committee will begin activities to preserve archaeological heritage, conduct research, and raise awareness at the divisional level.