The government has spent Tk 110 crore in order to renovate and preserve a number of heritage sites across the county. The money was spent under the supervision of archaeology department to reform Kantaji Temple, Mahasthangarh, Buddhist Vihar at Paharpur and Shat Gombuj Masjid.
Authorities hoped that the renovation work will bring in more local and foreign tourists. However, the number of foreign tourists has decreased and the local tourists are highly dissatisfied at the preservation work. The maintenance of the sites is negligible and the sites are not properly managed to facilitate tourist visits.
Mismanagement of funds, use of low quality construction materials and negligence of the development agencies are to blame for the lack of tourists at these sites. There is also lack of awareness among the general population about the significance of our heritage sites.
Compared to other nations,
we are falling behind in our efforts to
preserve our heritage and culture
The tourism board is lacking in initiative to promote the historically significant sites of our country. In order to generate publicity for these sites, the tourism department must carry out advertisement campaigns at home and abroad.
Compared to other nations, we are falling behind in our efforts to preserve our heritage and culture. Our country has a rich history going back centuries. This land was once ruled by mighty kings and legendary saints.
Special committees should be formed for each of the heritage sites, so they can be monitored on a regular basis. Accommodation and transport to the site must be facilitated by the government, especially for foreign tourists. Strict rules must be placed in order to maintain international standards at these sites.
In the last few years, there has been a great emphasis placed on development of both rural and urban areas. The country has come a long way in terms of modernization and digitization. However, if we cannot honor our history and reflect upon the past, we will soon be completely cut off from our very identities.
