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Archaeological Sites in Sorry State

Savar ancient site left ’unprotected’

Emran Hossain
Locals dump garbage at Harish Chandra Rajar Dhibi site in Savar, Dhaka where archaeologists had excavated. The site, only a few kilometres away from the capital, is an example of the poor state many important sites across the country are in. photo star
The Harishchandra Rajar Dhibi" in Savar may appear to the visitors as a dump, garage, poultry farm or any sleazy place, but obviously never a ’ protected’ archaeological site.
The way the Department of Archaeology maintains the site only 32 kilometres off from the capital would definitely take visitors, if there is any, by surprise.They might even wonder what is happening to those sites scattered elsewhere across the country. But it s really no wonder the scenario is the same in almost everywhere in Bangladesh.
The government has not yet conducted a nationwide survey to trace or detect how many ancient sites are there in the country
As many as 391 archaeological sites, many of which have already been encroached, have so far been announced protected” since the British rule here. "Harishchandra Rajar Dhibi" in Savar is one of those
A metalled road crosses a part of Harishchandra Rajar Dhibi” on which heavy vehicles including goods-laden trucks i ply all day long. A brick-built room stands at one point where a deep tube-well was installed once. Now people use the building for dryingcow dung.
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Animal faeces are in fact dried all over the site. The excavated parts where Buddhists probably practiced traditional art and culture around 1,000 years ago are nearly filled up with people binning garbage every day.
The "Dhibi" also stinks as a poultry farm stands dose to it in addition to herds of cattle grazing on the site.
In sheer contrast to the scenario in Bangladesh, movement of people is restricted over a certain number in EUora and Ajanta in neighbouring India to avoid noise pollution and damage to archaeological sites, which have buffer zones for protection.
4 "This is most unfortunate and very dangerous for our national heritage. The scenario is almost same in all the heritage sites across the country," said Asiatic Society of Bangladesh President Prof Sirajul Islam.
"We have been neglecting our heritage over the years. We are dealing with our heritage in such a way that it won't survive much long," headded.
Noted historian Prof Abdul Momin Chowdhury suggests that a board of experts from multiple disciplines might be formed to deal with the declining archaeological sites. He said. "The ministry did not care much in this regard and caused severe degeneration to our antiquities."
"Rejuvenation and upgradation of the archaeology department is a must as it lacks skilled human resources and adequate funds What is done is done but degeneration of the antiquities shouldn't be allowed anymore," headded.
"It's very sad. The government must bring an immediate end to its negligence in dealing with antiquities. If the archaeology department has resources and fund crisis then the problem must be addressed immediately." observed Prof Sharif Uddin Ahmed.
Only a 15-minute rickshaw ride from the "Dhibi" leads to yet another sad tale of Bangladesh archaeology. Rajashan, another protected site measuring five acres and 17 decimals, has entirely been encroached.
Despite a court order in 2003 to have the site in possession, the archaeology department lost its possession of the site as an individual named Shajahan, nephew of local ward commissioner Quader, is using it as personal property.
The Daily Star tried several days but found no-one at the archaeology department who is entrusted to look after these sites.
Instead, everyone said they were not responsible for the job. The officials were found even ignorant about the matters and reluctant to know anything about the sites' present status.
A guard from the department has been employed to look after the sites, but it's simply impossible for him, especially when his bosses turn a blind eye.
Contacted, Director General in-charge of archaeology department Abdul Khalequc said: "I can't accept allegations of negligence by the department in conservation, preserva -tion and restoration immediately. It has to be checked and requires debates and discus-
sions in determining whether any wrong was done in carrying out the job."
He denied commenting on specific allegations of neglect in Pan am in Sonargaon, Shat Gambuz Mosque and Harishchandra Rajar Dhibi until he goes through necessary documents.
The previous DG, Shafiqul Alam, who has recently gone on LPR, said, "In reality the place is not in our possession. We informed the local administration, police and UNO several times but they did not help us. The department does not have enough manpower to keep the place secured."
"Who will take the responsibility for the loss? These are our priceless property. If the sites are lost the government must be held accountable," said Prof Shah Sufi Mustafizur Rahman of archaeology department, Jahan girnagar University.
"An extensive and intensive survey to identify the archaeological sites of Bangladesh is a must; otherwise there will be no records of the sites one day," he added.
STATUS OF RAJASHAN Shajahan has built a one-storey building on the site. He earns Tk 700 toTk 1,200 from each of the 25 rooms in rent. He also owns five groceries there, while his family members long ago sold a part of the site.
Moreover, he has also built a luxurious two-storey building on the 'protected' archaeology site.
He has 'allowed' some of his followers on the land to encroach the entire site. Recently he 'permitted' a man to set up a rickshaw garage there
for a monthly payment of Tk 500.
Speaking defiantly, Shahjahan's wife claimed they have court order and have seen so many journalists and newspaper reports that they don't bother about the media any more.
Shahjahan admitted to constructing establishments on the land but denied making further comments.
Locals allege Shahjahan regularly bribe some archaeology department officials so that the matter gathers dust. The Department, on the other hand, pins the blame on the local administration including the UNO and the municipality chairman for their failure to evict the encroachers.
Shahjahan began grabbing the land by filing a case claiming the land to be his ancestral property.
In response, a Dhaka court in June 2003 directed the archaeology department to acquire the land. Shahjahan appealed to the High Court in July and the court asked the department for necessary papers.
The HC also sought papers from the Dhaka court and the papers took four years to be sent to HC. No hearing was held on the appeal as the Department did not take any measures in this regard.
Marksman Shah Alain, responsible to revive the case, said, "I do not know the present status of the case. I went to the High Court two months ago and learned no date is declared to hold hearing on the appeal."
He mentioned that they have informed the police, UNO
office and even joint forces in vain. The Department also filed a general diary with Savar police on June 15, 2005 regarding the matter.
"I cannot say anything about it as I don't know much," said Field Officer Abul Bashar, another official involved with the site.
Contacted, Regional Director Abdul Khaleque could not recognise the protected Rajashan site and denied to comment saying he was busy with an enquiry.
SITE HISTORY
Savar occupies an important place in the early medieval history of Bangladesh. Harendra Nath Ghosh conducted an excavation here for the first time in 1913 and 1915. The British Raj announced the palace of King Harishchandra a protected archaeological site in 1920, according to a journal published by the archaeology department, Jahangirnagar University in 2004.
Antiquities recovered from the site include turquoise blue glazed ware, silver coin, brick, bronze materials, Stupa and Vihara and inscription.
A research by JU found 65 archaeological sites in the area. Eight were discovered earlier and the rest by the university teams. The discovery of Stupa and Vihara establishes the place as a Buddhist seat during the early medieval period.
The Buddhist sculptures found at several places in the country include Lalmai and Maynamati in Comilla, Paharpur in Naogaon and Mahastangarh in Bogra.