This photograph contains a temple located in Panchagar, Bangladesh. This extreme northern region of Bangladesh has been ruled by Pundra, Gupta, Paal, Sen, and Muslims previously. Different architectural beauties have been built by them over centuries in the land.As a part of village centric system for decades, religious structures were a significant part of that society. In Bangladesh, we do have plenty of Mosques, Temples, and Monasteries spread all over its lands. This particular temple in the photograph is one of them from an unknown time. Are we enough serious about protecting this precious heritage that we have?
Bangladesh is fortunate enough to accommodate a variety of architectural monuments from a wide array of times. Our culture also has vibrant inputs. Cultural artifacts may not hold tangible benefits, which is a significant factor to be considered in a developing state. We may not effort to take enough protective measures needed to preserve this heritage. We should remember how this resource can’t be found again as it left as the last sign of the time.
Culture is the most distinctive thing to pass to the next generation as a nation. Elements of our culture hold the identity we shared and the elaboration or transition we made through time. We lost most of the things from a time lived by others in the past. But these elements are needed to delineate our folklore, trends, and beliefs. It is the story we collect from the past which resonates with our present. Architecture and public space designs are essential parts to describe a city. This is true no matter how big or small the building is.
Feilden defines the cultural heritage by making the architectural heritage an important part of it, because it is “the physical image and material embodiment of unique human components in which man is the basis of creation, creativity, and production”
Additionally, the importance of having experience with the physical expression of past generations is significant. Urbanization may run fast with time but since the ruins or buildings can’t be separated, urban conservation is what we seek. Population growth is going to expand contemporary cities. We as a nation or as humankind are going to prioritize gentrification in every corner eventually. So, the adoption of policies that are conservative toward these structures should be taken.
Preservation can be done by educating people living there about the essence and the intensity of these components. People are habituating there have been with these for generations and they can be the best to take responsibility for little fragments that can’t be monitored in a centralized way. They’ve been holding these, they don’t have any intention to destroy them. We just have to enlighten them with proper ways to clarify the delicacy.
Documentation of the existing heritage is needed. In this digital era, documentation is easy and it can help a lot. Technological advancement can assist us in protecting documents that can at least be used to have insight. Researchers and experts on this field is already there definitely and let’s hope for the best.