Law enforcement agencies are no longer as active in the field as before. This has left archaeological sites increasingly vulnerable. The risk of theft and smuggling of artifacts has grown significantly. Over the past few months, several valuable stone sculptures and other antiquities have been recovered while being smuggled across the border. However, officials believe that the recovered artifacts represent only a fraction of what has been illegally taken out of the country.
Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August, the borders remained unprotected for several days, during which a substantial number of archaeological and artistic artifacts were smuggled out of Bangladesh.
In addition to antiquities, valuable artworks are also at risk of smuggling. Following the collapse of the Awami League-led administration, numerous art pieces have reportedly been looted from the homes of government-affiliated elites. According to various sources, these stolen artworks are being trafficked out of the country through illicit networks. Art experts fear that once these rare artifacts and artworks leave Bangladesh, recovering them will be nearly impossible.
According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), at least nine valuable stone sculptures have been recovered from border areas between August and December. Two were seized in August, one in September, four in October, one in November, and another in December. Most of these were recovered from border areas near Benapole, Naogaon, and Panchagarh. The most recent recovery occurred on January 7, when a task force operation retrieved a 24.5-kilogram black stone artifact from Dokrapara in Mirgarh, Panchagarh.
Apart from BGB, other law enforcement agencies, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the police, have also seized several smuggled antiquities. Earlier this month, a crime prevention team from RAB-13 in Nilphamari recovered a valuable Vishnu statue made of stone from Birganj, Dinajpur. On February 13, another black stone Vishnu statue was recovered from Ranisankail in Thakurgaon.
According to law enforcement officials, smuggling of antiquities is currently most prevalent in the northern districts of Bangladesh. The border regions of Dinajpur and its neighboring districts have become hotspots for trafficking. Discussions with law enforcement agencies and archaeologists indicate that these districts have a rich historical heritage, with numerous ancient settlements. The region’s vast and largely unprotected border with India has made it a prime target for smugglers.
There are allegations that many of the smuggled artifacts from this region are being transported to Balurghat in South Dinajpur, West Bengal, just across the border. This area is well known for its historical artifacts and is home to several ancient monasteries, making it a convenient transit point for traffickers. Experts believe that weak border security and outdated antiquities protection laws are major obstacles to safeguarding Bangladesh’s archaeological heritage.
Professor Maliha Nargis Ahmed, Chairperson of the Department of Archaeology at Jahangirnagar University, sees the current security situation as a significant threat to the country’s heritage. Speaking to Bonik Barta, she stated, “In Bangladesh, antiquities are preserved through both government institutions and community-based initiatives. Government agencies such as the national museums, Department of Archaeology, and treasury offices store and protect many artifacts. Additionally, some relics are safeguarded in private institutions, including temples, zamindar estates, libraries, and educational institutions. However, in the current situation, many of these artifacts are facing security threats.”
She also pointed out that Bangladesh’s antiquities preservation laws lack clear provisions regarding the role of law enforcement agencies in protecting historical artifacts. “Because the existing legal framework has not been updated, law enforcement agencies often remain indifferent to the issue. Many ancient structures, artworks, sculptures, coins, inscriptions, terracotta plaques, and stone carvings are vital symbols of our national identity and historical legacy,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power on August 5 last year amid a mass uprising and fled the country. Soon after, members of the law enforcement agencies abandoned their posts in search of safe shelter. As a result, archaeological artifacts scattered across ancient settlements, alongside those in the capital, were left unprotected. Although law enforcement has now returned to duty, the country’s antiquities remain as vulnerable as before.
One of the unprotected archaeological sites is the Lakhutia Zamindar House in Barisal. Built in the 17th century by Raja Rupchandra Ray’s son, Rajchandra Ray, the mansion was officially declared a historic heritage site last year. Adjacent to the house is a temple, which, like the main building, remains entirely unguarded. Although the Department of Archaeology recommended constructing a boundary wall around the site, the plan has yet to be implemented. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) has built a structure within the compound, using it as an office and storage facility. The mansion itself is left in a state of neglect and disrepair.
Naogaon has now become a major route for smuggling antiquities. According to law enforcement sources, three border areas in the district are the most active smuggling points—Hapania and Karmudanga in Sapahar Upazila, and Nitpur in Porsha Upazila. These border areas are economically underdeveloped, which traffickers exploit by paying locals to smuggle artifacts across the border.
Regarding the situation, BGB’s Deputy Director General (Media), Colonel Mohammad Shariful Islam, told Bonik Barta, “The BGB plays a crucial role in preventing all types of smuggling along the borders. We conduct regular patrols in high-risk areas and gather intelligence to recover smuggled antiquities. Additionally, legal action is taken against those involved in the illicit trade of these valuable artifacts.”
Following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, looting took place at the Ganabhaban, the Parliament building, the Prime Minister’s Office, and several government offices, as well as in the residences of ruling party members. Numerous valuable artworks, paintings, sculptures, and visual art pieces were stolen, along with antiquities such as rare stone carvings and terracotta plaques from private collections. Eyewitnesses reported that it was mostly the wealthy elite who seized these treasures when the opportunity arose.
As soon as news of Sheikh Hasina’s departure spread, thousands of people stormed the Ganabhaban, looting valuable artifacts and paintings. Similar incidents occurred at Dhanmondi 32, the Parliament building, and the homes of various Awami League leaders and activists. The residence of Salman F Rahman, the former Prime Minister’s Adviser on Private Industry and Investment, located in Dhaka’s Gulshan diplomatic zone, was also ransacked. Amid the chaos, affluent individuals from surrounding areas took possession of rare paintings and sculptures. These locations housed works by renowned Bangladeshi artists, including Shahabuddin Ahmed, Rashid Chowdhury, Mohammad Kibria, and Murtaja Baseer. It remains unclear how many of these pieces are still in the country and how many have been smuggled abroad. Experts warn that if these irreplaceable treasures are not recovered, it will be a devastating loss for the nation.
The police claim they are making efforts to protect antiquities and artworks. When asked about the situation, Police Headquarters spokesperson AIG Enamul Haque Sagor told Bonik Barta, “Antiquities and artworks are invaluable parts of our nation’s history. The police remain vigilant in safeguarding these treasures, and district and metropolitan police units are actively working to ensure their security.”