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SYLHET: The Pailgaon Zaminderbari of Jagonnathpur upazila in Sunamganj would be protected as a 'reserved archaeological site'.
A team from the Directorate of Archeology led by its Regional Director for Chattogram and Sylhet divisions Dr Md Ataur Rahman said this after a visit to the spot on Wednesday last.
Pailgaon union Parishad Chairman Shahan Ahmed and other officials from the upazila parishad were present during the visit.
Dr Md Ataur Rahman told the journalists that the decision for preserving the historic site had to be taken long ago. Alongside immediate repair the structures of the renowned Zaminderbari, we would take steps for its protection in the right manner.
A good number of people visit the site due to its archeological value and historic importance.
Besides, the people in the region have a general attraction for seeing the old buildings, the Director said adding, it could easily be made a planned location for tourists. The old structures have archeological value too, he said.
The locals should come up with all-out support for making it as an attractive location for tourists, he said, adding, the government is totally sincere in this regard.
An official said, the Sunamganj district administration last year wrote to the Archeology department for taking steps to protect and preserve the site. Accordingly several teams visited the site before deciding finally.
The 300-year old Pailgaon Zaminderbari is a unique location spread over 5.5 acres of land is already a place of interest of common visitors for decades.
Renowned educationist and politician Brojendra Narayan Chowdhury, the last Zaminder of the family was a well-known face in the whole Sylhet-Assam region during the British regime.
Mr Chowdhury was also the chief of the regional chapter of Congress and member of Assam Legislative Council. He established a number of educational institutions like Pailgaon BN High School in Jagonnathpur, Rashomoy Memorial High School in Sylhet city and Sylhet Women's College etc. Although the old structures at Pailgaon still attract people, but there had been no step to protect the site.