A historical site located in Karnapur village, Gazipur, lies in a state of neglect, with locals having used the bricks, stones and other components from the structures in their homes and other establishments.
“I saw piles of bricks stacked up. I have travelled to many historical places in Bangladesh, but never have I ever seen locals collecting so many bricks from an important site like that, said Professor Sufi Mostafizur Rahman of the Department of Archaeology, Jahangirnagar University.
He made these comments after visiting Boro Dighi and its surrounding areas of Karnapur village of Gosinga Union of Sreepur upazila in Gazipur.
The professor said he was saddened by seeing the bricks lying around the area. “This is such a significant site near Dhaka, a place associated with King Lakshmikarna of the Kalachuri dynasty. It is a rich place in history and has tourism potential.”
He added that the local writers of Gazipur have been trying to draw the attention of government officials and stakeholders regarding the site, but so far no initiative has been taken.
“I would like to draw the attention of the local MP and the administration here. They must preserve the historical site. The constitution also clearly states that the history of one's area should be preserved. Don't they follow their constitution?” Professor Sufi Mostafizur Rahman said.
He also blamed researchers, professors, and concerned ministries for failing to save the historical site.
A local of the area, Abdul Hakim Akand, said that one Kalu Mandal of Sreepur had picked up bricks from Boro Dighi during the Pakistan occupation.
“Later, we also saw a wall, approximately two feet wide. Locals have collected these bricks for their own needs,” he added.
Another local resident, Siraj Uddin, said that numerous ancient bricks and stones can be found in many houses along the banks of the Boro Dighi. He said that various intricate designs are carved into those stones.
Senior journalist Abu Bakkar Siddique Akond, head of the department of management of Sreepur Muktijoddha Rahmat Ali Govt College, said that ancient architecture carries the historical identity of the people of an area.
Through ancient architecture found there, it is proved that Bangalis were skilled in craftsmanship from ancient times. Through the preservation of ancient antiquities, an area will become known as a tourism-rich area, he added.