Erosion of important heritage sites in Bangladesh is a growing problem due to lack of proper maintenance and protection from environmental factors. Two key UNESCO world heritage sites, the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara and Sixty Dome Mosque, are particularly at risk of decay due to high soil salinity, poor drainage, humidity, and lack of maintenance repairs. The Bangladeshi government needs to establish a dedicated heritage department and research-based maintenance programs to safeguard these historic sites from further erosion and ensure their preservation for international cultural and tourism value.

1. Erosion of Heritage sites in Bangladesh
Nafiz Ishtiaque Ahmed
20185748
Department of Medical & Biological Engineering
Bangladesh has a rich cultural development throughout thousands of year’s
civilization in South Asia. Eronomous world heritage sites are situated all over the
country. Those sites are immensely important internationally. Which are such
assets that attracts a significant numbers of tourist over the year, making a vital
progress in the economic sector. Among those sites the sixty pillar mosque (15th
century), Paharpur Buddhist Bihar (8th
century) and ancient monument
Mahasthangart (3th century) are widely renowned.
Although, those world heritage sites are element of great importance,
nevertheless, it is a matter of compassion that for lack of maintenance,
refurbishment and many other causes these historic heritage sites are now losing
their appeal. High salinity coupled with absence of proper maintenance the
artifacts and terracotta plaques are decaying. For instance, Paharpur Bihar (Figure
1) the largest Buddhist Bihar of the world (According to some scholars) [1] also a
designated UNESCO world heritage site now has been in ruins for a long time due
to poor maintenance and fund constraint. Besides that, high salinity in the soil and
imperfect drainage system cause decay to the ornamental plaques, the walls and
embellishments of this ancient Buddhist monastery. Warm moisture laden air

2. (humid), salty ground, rain and vandalism due to poor maintenance is also playing
a vital role for erosion of the renowned Sixty Dome Mosque (Figure 2).
Figure 1: Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur [2] Figure 2: Inside view of Sixty Dome mosque [3]
Authority of government of Bangladesh needs to pay careful attention
toward the word heritage sites to ensure the longevity and appeal of beatification to
tourist. Proper research toward the safe guard from erosion should be taken as the
climate change, environment, soil saltiness and vandalism is quite unique in South
Asia. Proper scheduled maintenance can make a big difference between decay of
the artifact and internationally historical tourist spot. Establishment of separate
heritage department that runs by the state government also is demanding as
throughout the countryside numbers of heritage sites are placed.
Sum it up, several potential awareness activity is already take by
Bangladeshi government to protect those heritage sites. Focusing on climate
change, vandalism, surrounding environment and maintaining an appropriate
maintenance procedure can play effective role to solve the weighty issue.
Ref:
1. whc.unesco.org/en/list/322
2. whc.unesco.org/en/documents/121906
3. whc.unesco.org/en/documents/131018