Abstract:
Bangladesh is very rich in its archaeological wealth of both the pre-Muslim and Muslim
periods. But due importance was not given to archaeological investigation and research this
area for a long time due to several causes. After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971,
scenario is being gradually changed. The Government established a full-fledged department
immediate after liberation with its head office in Dhaka. In 1983, the Department of Archaeology
was reorganized and 4 regional offices were set up in then 4 divisional headquarters.
So, the archaeological activities of the country like exploration and excavation of heritage
sites and preservation and presentation got a new momentum. The oldest archaeological museums,
mainly site museums, have been developed and some new museums have been established
at various places like Khulna, Bagerhat. In the entire department are now running 16
museums including one Ethnological Museum in Chittagong. In these museum houses most
of the important antiquities recovered from different archeological site through excavations
like bronze images, stone sculptures, terracottas and coins are preserved. Mention may be
made of the giant Vajrasatta from Comilla, Bronze Buddha from Paharpur etc. These museums
are playing an important role in the protection and presentation of moveable cultural
heritage of the country. Therefore, these museums open the opportunity among the researchers
and the mass people to observe the cultural and national heritage of Bangladesh under an
umbrella. In fact, archaeological museums have already become one of the nerve centers of
contemporary socioeconomic and cultural activities of Bangladesh. Indeed, the importance
of archaeological museums is realized as the fountain of national inspiration which makes
the healthy nation. However, these museums require sustainable and effective management
in order to make the visitors understand the history of the country and the cultural sequence
and also to raise public awareness towards the preservation of this invaluable heritage of the
country. An attempt has been made to discuss the role of archaeological site museums in the
protection, preservation and presentation of national heritage of Bangladesh.
