Editorial
Poor state of historical relics
Preserve the links to our heritage
THE government's declaration of 93 edifices and seven locations in the city as being 'protected' thereby prohibiting their demolition could not have come a day later. But merely tabooing man-made damage obviously will not suffice; for, what is actually needed is an affirmative action to protect, preserve and maintain the structures under some designated authority of the government. Much as these are keyholes through which to glimpse our rich heritage in order to be able to step confidently into the future, they are also potential tourist attractions awaiting skillful projection.
The initiative, long overdue as it is, should not be confined to Dhaka city alone; actually, the whole country is strewn with historical remnants, objects and artifacts as new discoveries are being made interminably of very ancient traces of civilisation. This paper's report titled 'Savar ancient site left unprotected' on Wednesday last brought up the appalling state of neglect in which the 1000-year old Harishchandra Rajar Dhibi was found only 32kms off the capital city. This basically highlights the concern for 391 archaeological sites declared 'protected' since the British rule all over the country. What with their protected status, most of them have been encroached upon or are in illegal possession.
That is one aspect of the matter, the other much broader need arises for a systematic recognition of all our archaeological sites through an extensive and intensive survey carried out by knowledgeable people in the field. We fully endorse the concrete suggestions aired by president, Asiatic Society, Prof Sirajul Islam and reputed historian Prof Abdul Momen Chowdhury for stemming any further degeneration of the antiquities. This will require taking the archaeological places under the wings of a specified authority. A composite body of experts should be formed to go into the entire matter and devise ways and means to ensure preservation of our historical relics in accord with international standards for which global support will be forthcoming.
The ministry of culture has its job cut out.
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