To promote the heritage of the region, the Department of Archaeology is planning to establish the Sylhet Divisional Archaeological Museum.

With this goal, Department of Archaeology Director General (DG) Md Hannan Mia visited Sylhet yesterday to look for a suitable site for the museum.

The regional office of the department for Chattogram and Sylhet divisions filed a memorandum to the DG on November 5 proposing three prospective sites for the museum.

These sites are: Jaintia Rajbari under Jaintiapur upazila; Sylhet Central Jail-2 (popularly known as “Old Jail”); and “Jitu Miah’r Bari” -- a hundred-year-old house originally owned by Khan Bahadur Abu Nasar Mohammad Ahia alias Jitu Miah.

DG Hannan Mia said, “To boost tourism in the area, we are planning to develop archaeological sites in Sylhet city, Jaintiapur upazila in Sylhet, and Laurer Garh of Sunamganj.”

“I have visited the proposed sites for the museum and will select the most suitable location. Considering everything, Jitu Miah’r Bari seems to be the best choice so far,” he said about the possible site for the establishment.

The DG added, “We are going to work on the legal issues necessary to get the museum started. A gazette will be published after all legal procedures are completed.”

Md Ataur Rahman, regional director of the department, said, “Sylhet is brimming with archaeological sites. The museum will showcase the region’s culture. Archaeological collections and artefacts from collectors will be gathered in the museum for younger generations to learn from.”

Abdul Hye Al-Hadi, coordinator of Save the Heritage and Environment, said, “Sylhet’s archaeological heritage is scattered all across the region. Important cultural artefacts can be found at personal museums or in private collections. If the museum is established, it will prove to be helpful in conserving the region’s cultural heritage.”