Dhaka: Despite growing challenges to protect antiques and archeological sites, the Department of Archeology has no list of such items preserved by private trustees or individuals. 

“We’ve no list of total antiquities so far discovered in the country, nor we have the list of trustees or individuals who preserve such items,” director general of the Archeology Department Md Altaf Hossain told news agency United News of Bangladesh.

But, Altaf, said the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has taken an initiative to prepare a list of archeological sites and museums.

Bangladesh has a long and ancient rich history, which gives it a potential source and abundance of antiquities that have historical and cultural values. 
Many of archeological excavations here reveal that the evidence of the Northern Black Polished Ware culture of the Indian Subcontinent (c. 700-200 BC), many dynasties, and Buddhist missionaries settled in the land to spread religion, which established many monuments such as Mahasthangarh in Bogra and Mainamati in Comilla.

According to archeologists, the ignorance of the authorities concerned about the stock of antiquities and number of ancient archeological and historical sites like Buddhist temples, monuments and mosques pave a way for the smuggling out of these antiquities abroad.

“There’re strong syndicates around the world who’re involved in antique smuggling. These syndicates are also active in Bangladesh in illegal antique trading,” said archeology professor of Jahangirnagar University Prof Sufi Mustafizur Rahman. 

As the government has no authentic list of antiques preserved in its museums, he said, many ancient items are being stolen from the museums, including the National Museum and Mainamati Museum. 

In the light of growing risk of smuggling out of these antiques abroad, the parliamentary standing committee on the Cultural Affairs Ministry has already cautioned that the archeological items, which are under the possession of individuals, are being smuggled out of the country.

On November 2 last, the Committee at its meeting raised question whether the archeological items could be preserved or stored at personal level or not, and suggested the authorities concerned to find a way to bring back the archeological items, now being preserved by individuals or trustee boards, under government control.

Stressing the importance of bringing necessary amendments to the Antiquities Act 1968 aiming to prevent smuggling of antiques, Prof Sufi Mustafizur Rahman said the country has many laws, but those are hardly enforced.

“I’ve no information that someone gets punishment for violating the antiquities law. So, the government now should sincerely think whether it’ll value its culture and heritage,” he said. 

Prof Mustafiz suggested forming an independent commission involving representatives from all quarters, including archeologist, historian and law enforcer, aiming to effectively preserve the antiquities, archeological sites and heritage of the country.

Noting that the Archeology Department has prepared a draft bill to amend the Antiquities Act 1968, which was amended in 1976, the director general said the draft will not be sent to the ministry right now without considering the recent recommendation of the parliamentary standing committee.

He said there is nothing mentioned in the Antiquities Act what would be government regulation over antiquities preserved by individuals or private trustee boards.

Asked whether the provision will be incorporated in the proposed bill, the Director General said, “I can say nothing right now as a committee was formed to review the law, which will make its proposals in this regard.”