ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE IN BANGLADESH

Islamic Architectural Heritage
In Bangladesh.

MOHAMMED ALI
REGIONAL DIRECTOR [RETD]
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY
BANGLADESH.





Despite south east Asia being heir to a rich architectural heritage of various religious persuasion spreading over two thousand years ironically to day we are left with very little of our glorious legacy. Besides always being for a field from the epicenter of powers in the subcontinent other factors also combined to obliterate those derelict monuments, such as recurrent inundation, frequent shifting of the myriads of rivers and streams, treasure-hunting, modern development, etc.
The survival of historic areas is of capital importance to every conscious citizen seeking to preserve their Cultural identity. This is an area where all the renowned archaeologist of both national and International archaeologists should take proper care at the moment. Otherwise the nation may loose important Architectural Heritage of their own countries.
A nation is known by the standard of respect and care it takes to protect and maintain its Cultural wealth of which it is an heir. Increased awareness of the people of more advanced countries are now safeguarding certain "Historical Zones"in the urban as well as rural areas by introducing special provisions in their law as rural areas by introducing special provisions in their law which are under private ownership threatened by destruction or whole renovation.
The protection and preservation of an historical monument is not an end in itself unless it is attractively presented and integrated in the social and cultural life of the people surrounding it. These monuments are not isolated objects of curiosity preserved at the tax-prayer's cost. While preserving these treasured heirloom of the nation and using them, care must be taken to ensure that the use for which an Historical building was originally designed is consistent with the monument. Pathetic violation of this internationally accepted principle is however, glaring in this part of the world. The bulk of the protected Monuments in Asia particularly that of Bangladesh is of religious character, still in use, such as Mosque, Tomb, Eidgah and Hammam Khana and the like. Precisely for many of such reasons many of our important historical buildings of the country had to be 'Deprotected' and helplessly witness their spoliation. Conservation services in Developing countries are faced with manifold problems. Limited financial resources are one of the other or important obstacles to creating the needed administrative structure, establishing and running a variety of Museums, protecting historical sites, carrying out archaeological Excavations and starting restoration work on endangered monuments.However, adequate financial resources do not provide all these answers. These are usually a real source of anxiety for the Government of Bangladesh and that of south East Asia and other heritage conscious persons and organization of the world.
In spite of the great handicap under which the South East Asia [Particularly Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh] had been working it has carried out commendable conservation of some important historical/Architectural monuments of the country.
Bangladesh archaeology believes that, History is defined as a Biography of a nation. Scientific approach to national history necessitates the exploration of Archaeological sources.
The Muslim archaeological history of Bangladesh is divided into two major distinct periods. One was the advent of the Muslims of Sultanate Period (1204-1576 AD). This period experienced the introduction of new building types such as mosques and mausoleums. The buildings however, assumed tangible expressions through adoration of regional forms, using the existing features and local materials.

Next was the Mughal Period (1576-1757 AD). The Mughals were mighty builders; their architectural accomplishments in Bengal were modest & articulated. Mughal Architecture was defined by their standard three domed mosque and by panel decoration on plastered surfaces.

Protections of Heritage:

The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in its articles 24 stated that ‘The State shall adopt measures for the protection against disfigurement, damage or removal of all monuments, objects or places or special artistic or historic importance or interest’.

In line with the Constitutional provision the Govt. enacted important law namely ‘‘the Antiquities act. 1968’’ where conservation, preservation, protection of heritage monuments are the main contents.

Protection of architectural heritage is predominantly important to safeguard it from being damaged. Awareness in the community is a major key area that needs to be high lighted. The Department of Archaeology developed school programme to sensitize the school children of neighborhood about protection of sites. Archaeological Engineers as routine Programme undertake activities to conserve and repair the Heritage site every year depending on the present situation of the buildings and the resources available. The major problems they face is the salinity on the walls, grounds, plasters, ceilings etc. Experts, specialists are trying hard to address this issue. UNESCO also has been requested to explore experts from abroad to attend this problem.

Tourism Potential:

Architectural Heritage sites are considered very attractive spot for tourists of Home and Abroad. Its potentials are gradually increasing. To enhance this potential the Govt. has under taken a project ‘South Asian Tourism infracture Development Project (Bangladesh Portion) with the support of Asian Development Bank. This package included Sait Gumbud Mosque (Sixty domed Mosque). In formulation of other projects, the Govt. considers Tourism potentials, and its requirements like safe Connectivity, Fooding, Lodging and law & Order situation as priority.
We have in our country ‘Bangladesh porjoton corporation’ (BPC). That Organization conducts all the tours in different Islamic heritage sites in the country.
There are private tourism organizations too which facilitate journey of the tourists, their lodgings and dinning. To strengthen the private partnership with Tour Operators an Event wise consultation are on.
Citizens of Bangladesh are always happy to extend their hospitality to visitors, in particular the foreign Tourists. Booklets, brushier, folders are regularly being published from various dept. like Islamic foundation, BPC, DOA etc. The Govt. has also given importance to introduce light & sound display in various important Islamic Heritage sites. Meanwhile, in Lalbagh Fort specific activities are going on.