Documenting our
archaeological heritage
by Robab Rosan
Lamar Para Buddhist Temple, Cox’s Bazar
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Although better known for its floods and corruption, Bangladesh is a country that is rich with culture and archaeological treasures. Most of these archaeological sites, however, have eroded over the centuries and the sites that still remain are also in danger of being destroyed. The lack of proper preservation of these historical relics that has led to their careless destruction has also led to the disappearance of many archaeological gems and jewels.
With the hopes to document the remaining archaeological sites within Bangladesh, the ‘Mati Imaging Bangladesh’ is holding a ten-day photography exhibition at the Drik Gallery in Dhanmondi from November 16. After having to choose from a total of 1213 photographs that were submitted by 269 photographers during the national photography competition on historical sites of Bangladesh, 141 photographs by 56 photographers are on display.
Apart from photos of the most popular sites in Bangladesh, photographers have taken images of less famous structures that were erected over hundreds of years during the rules of different dynasties. One such telling picture is the ‘Lamar Para Buddhist Temple-1’ taken by Naima Perveen. Naima’s picture of the magnificent structure gives a glimpse into the sort of glorious influence Buddhists had in Bangladesh. The photograph shows a huge golden temple built on a hill top in 1800 at Ramu in Cox’s Bazar. The rolling green hills in the background of the photograph evokes a sense of serenity and harmony within the viewer.
The ‘Hawa Khana’ taken by Tanvir-ul-Hossain, shows a two-storied brick structure where Raja Naresh Narayan Bahadur and his wife Sureshwari Devi used to visit during vacations. The picture speaks volumes of how the wealthy led their life in the past.
Most of the photographs manifest the poor condition in which these priceless archaeological sites are kept, especially those that exist in remote areas. Although the photographers present the structures as artistically as possible it is in plain view that the Bangladeshi government has done very little to maintain this part of Bangladeshi heritage.
‘We want to display these photos to the people of this generation to show them that the country has a rich archaeological heritage. We want to create awareness and appreciation among people to preserve these treasure,’ says, Sayeed Bin Anwar, a member of the organisation Mati Imaging Bangladesh. He continued to say, ‘these photographs will also be considered a strong testament to their existence. Our future generations will at least be able to see these photographs and learn about our history.’
The prize giving ceremony will be held today at 4:00pm at the gallery and the exhibition will continue till November 25.
‘Historical Sites of Bangladesh’
November 15 - November 25
From 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Drik Gallery,
House 58, Road 15/A (new), Dhanmondi
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