Brick kilns threaten existence of 1,200-yr-old archaeological site
An archaeological site, with around 1,200 years of history, at Nawabganj upazila in Dinajpur lies in ruins due to illegal brick kilns activities and recklessness on the part of locals.
In 2001, villagers first traced a Bouddha Bihar of the site in Domail village.
An excavation team from Jahangirnagar University Archaeology department found another two Bihars in 2006 and 2008 within a 500-metre radius.
Swadhin Sen, an assistant professor of JU who led the excavation, said the site developed between 7th and 8th centuries.
Three villages of the upazila — Domail, Hasarpara and Khayerghuri — are rich with archaeological sites, which are yet to draw government’s attention, he added.
Syed Md Kamrul Ahsan, another member of the excavation team, said villagers took away a large number of bricks of the ancient structures for building their houses.
He also alleged brick kiln operators dug out the earth around the site to make bricks.
Som Hazra, an elderly person from Domail village, told The Daily Star that in the area there was a temple, which was destroyed following the construction of brick kilns.
The brick kilns are reportedly using the land without relevant documents.
Nawabganj upazila Land office sources said the kilns are being operated on the land without permission. Mohammad Solayman, assistant land commissioner of Nawabganj upazila, confirmed the allegation.
Dignitaries of the district and archaeologists have called upon the government to free the land from encroachers and preserve the site.
