Department of Archaeology (Bangladesh)

Department of Archaeology is a government agency in Bangladesh. Established under the Archaeology Laws of 1964 (updated in 1976), its main role is to conserve and preserve archaeological sites across the country. Since 2013, the department has been operating from the Administration Building located in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Department of Archaeology

প্রত্নতত্ত্ব অধিদপ্তর
Department overview
Formed	1972 (1972)
Preceding Department	Archaeological Survey of India
Jurisdiction	Government of Bangladesh
Headquarters	Agargaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Parent Department	Ministry of Cultural Affairs

History

The organisation was originally established in 1861 as part of the Archaeological Survey of India. Following Bangladesh's independence, its office was set up in Dhaka. In 1983, regional offices were created in four divisions, with Dhaka serving as the headquarters following a reorganisation of the divisions.

Functions

The Department of Archaeology in Bangladesh is responsible for compiling and conserving a list of archaeological sites and artifacts throughout the country. As of June 2016, the department oversees 452 archaeological sites. Notable sites include Mahasthangarh, Mainamati, Somapura Mahavihara, Shita Coat Bihar, Nawabganj, Kantajew Temple, Choto Sona Mosque, Sixty Dome Mosque, Vasu Vihara, Barobazar, and Lalbagh Fort. Among these, Somapura Mahavihara and Sixty Dome Mosque have been designated as World Heritage Sites. Additionally, there are 17 archaeology museums managed by the department. The department's efforts focus on uncovering history by exploring ancient cultural elements found in remote areas of the country, as well as restoring and preserving discovered monuments for exhibition.