Historical monuments need care

Many archaeological sites face threats from humans and environmental factors

There is no dearth of historical monuments and archeological and heritage sites in our country. The historic Ahsan Manzil in Dhaka, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Lalbag Fort, the once impressive buildings in Sonargaon of Narayanganj district, the Buddha Bihar in Mainamati of Comilla district, the Shat Gambuj Mosque in Bagerhat district, the Oxford Mission Church in Barisal district deserve special mention. Those have been soothing the eyes of the onlookers from generation to generation. What is of prime importance is to protect those from decay and destruction. 
According to a report in this newspaper on Monday, Mirdha Mosque situated less than half a kilometre west of the Lalbagh fort in the Atish Khana mahalla of old Dhaka, is one of the best preserved and well protected medieval monuments in the country. Two Persian inscriptions--one over the central archway and the other over the central mihrab-- speak of its construction in 1704-05 AD by one Khan Muhammad Mirdha and the name of the mosque is after its builder. There are scores of other historical monuments in different districts of the country. Many have perished due to absence of repair and renovation. 
It is the responsibility of the relevant ministry and the department to take care of these monuments.  Vigorous efforts should be made for upholding the glowing aspects of this sector. There are some dilapidated archaeological sites in different places of the country including the capital Dhaka. Those should be renovated on an emergency basis. Since we cannot ignore our golden past we cannot also neglect these monuments. Scores of foreign tourists visit our country every year. They can have a glimpse over these monuments.
 The ancient temples and monasteries that can be the subject of cultural tourism should be renovated to attract tourists. Many historical sites and structures are on the verge of ruination due to lack of repair and renovation. Local and foreign entrepreneurs may feel encouraged to invest in this sector. 
 Taking up of a mega plan for renovating the monuments had been discussed during the rules of successive governments but those are yet to see the light of day. It is imperative for the government to take up a massive plan for reconstruction and renovation of the historical monuments.   There is a need for coordinated efforts towards protecting and preserving the sites and inattention may leave a ‘history gap’ that can never be bridged.  

 

Historical monuments need care

Many archaeological sites face threats from humans and environmental factors

There is no dearth of historical monuments and archeological and heritage sites in our country. The historic Ahsan Manzil in Dhaka, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Lalbag Fort, the once impressive buildings in Sonargaon of Narayanganj district, the Buddha Bihar in Mainamati of Comilla district, the Shat Gambuj Mosque in Bagerhat district, the Oxford Mission Church in Barisal district deserve special mention. Those have been soothing the eyes of the onlookers from generation to generation. What is of prime importance is to protect those from decay and destruction. According to a report in this newspaper on Monday, Mirdha Mosque situated less than half a kilometre west of the Lalbagh fort in the Atish Khana mahalla of old Dhaka, is one of the best preserved and well protected medieval monuments in the country. Two Persian inscriptions--one over the central archway and the other over the central mihrab-- speak of its construction in 1704-05 AD by one Khan Muhammad Mirdha and the name of the mosque is after its builder. There are scores of other historical monuments in different districts of the country. Many have perished due to absence of repair and renovation. It is the responsibility of the relevant ministry and the department to take care of these monuments. Vigorous efforts should be made for upholding the glowing aspects of this sector. There are some dilapidated archaeological sites in different places of the country including the capital Dhaka. Those should be renovated on an emergency basis. Since we cannot ignore our golden past we cannot also neglect these monuments. Scores of foreign tourists visit our country every year. They can have a glimpse over these monuments. The ancient temples and monasteries that can be the subject of cultural tourism should be renovated to attract tourists. Many historical sites and structures are on the verge of ruination due to lack of repair and renovation. Local and foreign entrepreneurs may feel encouraged to invest in this sector. Taking up of a mega plan for renovating the monuments had been discussed during the rules of successive governments but those are yet to see the light of day. It is imperative for the government to take up a massive plan for reconstruction and renovation of the historical monuments. There is a need for coordinated efforts towards protecting and preserving the sites and inattention may leave a history gap that can never be bridged.