Day-long roadshow held to preserve Sonargaon’s heritage and archaeological sites

Special Correspondent
Published: 10 Oct, 2026
Updated: 21 Oct, 2026
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Members of the Committee for the Preservation of History, Heritage, and Archaeological Assets organised a day-long roadshow aimed at raising public awareness about conserving the history, heritage, and archaeological treasures of Sonargaon.

The program included visits to historical structures and archaeological sites, the distribution of leaflets, and exchanges of views with local residents.

The roadshow began on Saturday morning at Panam City with the slogan, "Let us protect Sonargaon's heritage and unite to preserve its archaeological assets." It was inaugurated by Dr. Akmal Hossain, a former professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, author, and researcher. Rabindra Sangeet artist Parveen Sultana was also present at the event.

Members participated in the program under the leadership of the committee's convener, poet and essayist Shahed Kayes; joint conveners Rahman Mujib (poet and organizer) and Mizanur Rahman (author and journalist); and member-secretary Rabiul Hussain (author and journalist).

Other participating committee members included banker and organizer Motiur Rahman; author and journalist Fazle Rabbi Sohel; journalist and theater actor Mokarram Mamun; journalist and organizer Gazi Mobarak; author and teacher Asma Akhtari; author and journalist Rokeya Akter; author and organizer Shankar Prakash; author Mofakkhar Sagar; author Selim Ahmed Pradhan; author Shahadat Hossain Chowdhury; and journalists Md. Billal Pradhan and Birat Ali.

The roadshow followed the historic Grand Trunk Road, visiting various heritage sites and archaeological locations in Sonargaon. These included the Mahazampur Shahi Jame Mosque, the Ashram of Loknath Brahmachari, the house associated with the memory of Jyoti Basu, the Company-ka Bridge, the ancient Islamic university and Hadith study center, the tombs of Sharafuddin Abu Tawama and Ibrahim Danishmand, and the tomb of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah. Additionally, the participants visited the Yusufganj Mosque, Fateh Shah Mosque, Goaldi Shahi Mosque, Shah Abdul Hamid Mosque, Panam Bridge, Neelkuthi, Krori Bari, Poddar Bari, Boro Sardar Bari, Chhoto Sardar Bari, and Panam City. The day-long tour concluded at Panam City.

During the event, leaflets were distributed highlighting the historical significance of the archaeological sites and the necessity of their preservation. Emphasis was also placed on citizen participation in protecting these sites through interactions with local residents.

The organisers stated that a key objective of the event is to familiarize local people with the archaeological heritage of Sonargaon and involve them in preservation efforts. They aim to highlight the history, current condition, and preservation needs of these ancient monuments to the public through media coverage. Furthermore, they seek to build public opinion to ensure effective initiatives by the government, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and the Department of Archaeology for the restoration and preservation of significant archaeological sites, based on expert assessments.