Photo : TDM
Gaibandha, a district with a rich historical heritage, is home to numerous archaeological sites, including centuries-old mosques, royal palaces, zamindar houses, and Jotdar Houses. However, due to neglect and a lack of awareness, these precious antiquities are now on the brink of extinction. The Department of Archaeology, responsible for preserving these treasures, has listed only three out of thirteen historical monuments, leaving many unprotected and vulnerable to destruction and encroachment.
The lack of proper preservation efforts has led to the decay and loss of several buildings, erasing significant chapters of the district's history. The absence of adequate publicity and attention has diminished the importance of archaeological preservation signs, contributing to the fading knowledge of the region's ancient past among the new generation.
In the Nuniagari area of Palashbari upazila town, a domed Kadirbox Mondol mosque, dating back to the eighteenth century, stands almost abandoned, with only four people, including the imam, offering prayers there. Similarly, in the Raja Virat area of Rajahar Union, Gobindganj Upazila, three structures, including a royal palace, lie buried underground, now reduced to mere earthen mounds. Bardhankuthi, a significant administrative unit since ancient times in Gobindganj municipality, suffers from neglect, with weeds engulfing the walls and rooms.
The zamindar house of Tulsi Lahiri, a renowned dramatist-artist and filmmaker from the subcontinent, in Kalibari Para village of Naldanga Union, Sadullapur Upazila, also faces the risk of being wiped out and forgotten. Furthermore, the historic Shah Sultan Ghazi Mosque in Mir Bagan village of Ghagoa Union and the Masta Mosque in Masta village of Kamardah Union, both with architectural significance from different periods, are also at risk of being lost.
The list of endangered sites also includes the house of Jotdar Parimadhav Sarkar in East Keshalidanga village of Kamarpara Union, Sadullapur, and the house of Yakub Uddin Sardar, Jotdar of Kashdah village in Ramjivan Union of Sundarganj. These structures stand as silent witnesses of time, awaiting preservation and recognition.
The situation has worsened due to the absence of some important sites, like Palashbari's Dariya Durg Mound and ruined Dargah, Kadirbox Mandal Mosque, and Gobindganj's Birat Raja's Mound, from the list of protected antiquities on the national web portal of Gaibandha district. The district administration has yet to take significant initiatives to safeguard these vulnerable places, leading to a lack of information for history enthusiasts and travelers.
Ziaul Haque Johnny, the General Secretary of Gaibandha Public Library and Club, highlights the importance of promoting these historical buildings on the internet, as the lack of information is causing the youth to miss out on healthy entertainment and education.
To address these concerns, Gaibandha Deputy Commissioner Md. Oliur Rahman commits to forming a sub-committee dedicated to preserving the archaeological artifacts. This committee will take the necessary initiatives to conserve these endangered monuments and will also inform the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Directorate of Archaeology about the matter through a formal letter.
TDM/SD
