Archaeological Structure in Padma

Looting of articles on from unprotected site

28 March 2010, 18:00 PM

A Correspondent, Rajshahi

Visitors and locals are taking away different materials from the brick structure found in the middle of the Padma at Bagha in Rajshahi on March 26. Local people said two chowkidars (village police) have been posted to look after the structure but it is impossible on their part to control hundreds of visitors. People thronged Chawk Rajapur village yesterday to have a glimpse of the structure believed to be an archaeological treasure. The visitors reach the spot in boats and get down on the roof of the structure. Bagha upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Dewan Md Shahriar Firoz said as the people in large number are descending on the structure and moving freely, it faces risk of being damaged. The upazila administration yesterday posted red flags and put a notice at the site, urging the visitors not to take away bricks or other materials from the structure. The UNO said if anybody removes bricks or other materials from the structure he will be liable to punishment under the Archeology Act of 1968. Regional director of the Department of Archeology Badrul Alam yesterday visited the structure. He said it cannot be said for sure how old it is, but from size of the bricks and formation of the lime and other construction materials it seems the structure might be of Mughal era or British period. “After examining the structure, the experts will determine the age of it,” Alam said, adding that they will take all necessary measures to preserve the structure.