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 The International seminar on “Elaboration of an Archaeological Research Strategy for Paharpur World Heritage Site and its Environment ( Bangladesh )” took place on 20-25 March 2004. Seminar was jointly organized by Department of Archaeology, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and UNESCO Dhaka. Examine the present status of the Paharpur Vihara and determine the future policy for the World Heritage site; assessed the situation of action undertaken at Paharpur Monuments since its discovery up to recent restoration; In the light of recent discoveries (Buddhist sites in Jagdal Vihara, Halud Vihara, Jagjivanpur and literary, epigraphic and artistic evidence) re-examine the site in its whole context from a historic perspectives; Define, for the site of Paharpur and its surroundings, a coherent strategy in terms of research, archaeology, safeguarding, conservation and heritage management, taking into account the strong environmental constraints (heavy rain…), and assembling the different professions like archaeologists, historians, engineers, conservation specialists etc.
The expected outcome was to consolidated review of the state of conservation of Paharpur and guidelines for future site management and conservation policies. The Participants were from UNESCO Regional Advisors office for Culture for the Asia and the Pacific, UNESCO Bangkok, Deputy Director, Central Cultural Fund, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Govt. Representative from Ministry and Department of Archaeology, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, UNESCO Consultants, Representative from World Heritage Centre Paris. Eminent scholars and Researchers from Bangladesh and Students The seminar participants visited Paharpur Buddhist Monastery World Heritage Site on 20-21 March. The seminar adopted set of recommendations regarding future strategy (long & short term) that is under review of technical experts and scholars. UNESCO Dhaka has already had a meeting with Honorable State Minister for Culture Begum Selima Rahman and high officials from Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Department of Archaeology on recommendations and how UNESCO and Government can implement the recommendation together on a priority basis. |
