Rajshahi, July 3 (V7N) — Rajshahi University (RU), which manages the Barendra Research Museum housing nearly 17,000 rare archaeological artifacts, is taking steps to establish a dedicated Archaeology Department. Founded in 1910, the Barendra Museum is Bangladesh’s first archaeological museum, but due to the absence of an archaeology department, the preservation and research of these valuable antiquities have been lacking, putting the collection at risk.
 
To address this critical issue and protect the rich archaeological heritage of the Barendra region, the university administration has decided to launch the Archaeology Department soon. The decision has been finalized in principle, and discussions with the University Grants Commission (UGC) will commence shortly to formally start the department, according to Professor Dr. Mohammad Main Uddin, Vice Provost (Administration) of Rajshahi University. He emphasized that establishing this department is essential to maintain the pride and legacy of Bangladesh’s first museum and the university.
 
Professor Dr. Kazi Md. Mostafizur Rahman, the new director of Barendra Research Museum and professor of the Department of Islamic History and Culture, also confirmed the university’s initiative. He stated that given the abundance of artifacts discovered in northern Bengal and the large scale of the museum, Rajshahi is an ideal location for such a department. Once established, the department will be able to conduct focused research and preservation activities.
 
The first Archaeology Department in Bangladesh was established at Jahangirnagar University in 1992, followed by Comilla University in 2013. Begum Rokeya University also offers a combined ‘History and Archaeology’ department since 2008. Experts and historians consider RU’s initiative timely and important for advancing archaeological research, conservation, and higher education.
 
Professor Dr. Mohammad Belal Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at RU, expressed regret that despite the museum’s historical significance, there was no independent department dedicated to archaeology at the university. He welcomed the administration’s move and hopes the new department will open new avenues for research and education in archaeology.
 
Professor Dr. Moha. Farid Uddin Khan, Vice Provost (Academic), highlighted that although RU is the country’s second-largest university, it lacks an archaeology department unlike Jahangirnagar, Comilla, and Begum Rokeya universities. He noted that the university has land beside the Barendra Research Museum that can be used for this purpose and expressed optimism about the initiative.
 
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Saleh Hasan Naqib acknowledged that while establishing a research-oriented Archaeology Department is a time-consuming process, the university is committed and hopeful to see it realized. He stated that Rajshahi is a fitting place for archaeological research in northern Bangladesh and such a department is necessary for the university’s growth.
 
The most recent independent academic department at Rajshahi University is the ‘Persian Language and Literature’ department, which began its activities on November 26, 2016.
 
This initiative marks an important step toward preserving Bangladesh’s archaeological heritage and promoting advanced research and education in this vital field.
 
END/MRA/SMA/