Bhitargarh to become Archaeological Park

Prof Shahnaj said: “Bhitargarh is a part of world heritage. This is the largest discovered archaeological site of the country. Our aim is to highlight the fort city and its culture in front of the world. We hope the government and non-government organisations will step up to establish it as a World Heritage Site. This should become an Archaeological Park in near future.” On Saturday, a seven-day long festival titled “Bhitargarh Festival 2017” started in Panchagarh to highlight the values and the importance of preservation of the ancient fort city established in the sixth or seventh century. The Centre for Archaeological Studies of University of Liberal Arts (ULAB) has organised the event in association with the Cultural Affairs Ministry in Bhitargarh area under Amarkhana upazila, 16km from the district town. Panchagarh District Council Chairman Amanullah Bachchu inaugurated the programme as chief guest. Prof Imran Rahman, vice-chancellor of ULAB presided over the programme where Amarkhana Union Parishad Chairman, local Awami League leader and others were also present. Art exhibition, public speaking competition, quiz competition and other local sports and cultural programmes will be held from 11am to 3pm every day during the week-long festival. Dr Shahnaj uncovered the ancient city in 2008 after carrying out a systematic archaeological investigation for about two years in Panchagarh district. Her students started excavation work in January 2009. During the digging, 12 archaeological sites including monuments and Buddhist temples were discovered. It is also known as Bhitargarh Walled City. Dr Shahnaj earlier told the media that the ancient city stretching over 25 sq-km had been a sovereign administration and part of the Kamrup state in India. The samples of this site are not similar to the various samples found in other archaeological sites like Cooch Behar, Maynamati, Paharpur, and Mahasthangarh. According to Prof Shahnaj, the most significant fact about this ancient fort is that it is enclosed within four concentric quadrangles built with ramparts and moats, something that has never been seen in any other fortified sites in the country.