Bangladesh is rich in archaeological heritage, especially of the mediaeval period both during the Muslim and pre-Muslim rules, though most of it is still unexplored and unknown. In two thousand or more years of its chequered history, many dynasties had ruled and disappeared leaving their marks in the shape of magnificent cities and monuments, the desolate ruins of which are still seen at many places throughout the country. After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, a number of field projects including a comprehensive survey for exploration of the hitherto unexplored area a fairly ambitious scheme of excavations on selected sites have been taken up. The earlier history of Bangladesh reveals that Buddhism received royal patronage from some important dynasties, as a result great monasteries sprang up at many places in the country.

The oldest archaeological site 'Mahasthan' means a great place located at a distance of 18 km. north of Bogra town, Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh which is situated on the western bank of the Karatoa. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the region having a fortified area and its ancient ruins spread out within a semi circle of about 8 km. radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodai Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century B.C. archaeological site is still held by the Hindus to be of great sanctity. Every year in mid-April and every 12th year in December thousands of Hindu devotees join here the bathing ceremony in the river Karatoa.

A visit to the site museum at Mahasthangarh will open up a wide variety of antiquities, ranging from terracotta objects to gold ornaments and coins dug up from the site. Also noteworthy are the shrine of Shah Sultan Bulkhi Mahisawar and Gokul Medh in the neighbourhood of Mahasthangarh.

While visiting Mahasthangarh, the visitors may enjoy the Parjatan (Tourism) hospitality at their Bogra Motel.

1. Location: Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, is located in the southern part of Bangladesh. It has been declared as a World Heritage site.

2. Distance from the capital Dhaka: 385 km (Mongla port). Khulna

3. Nearest town: Khulna industrial town: 40 km.

4. Tourist spots inside Sundarbans:

Hiron Point : 84 km.
Katka : 112 km.
Dublar Char : 90 km.
Mandar Baria : 110 km.
Putni Island : 106 km.

5. Tourist attractions: The Sundarbans, the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger spreads over an area of about 6000 sq. km. of deltaic swamps along the coastal belt of Khulna. It is the biggest mangrove forest in the world. Its dense mangrove forests are criss-crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. One finds here tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and often tigers swimming across a river or huge crocodiles basking in the sun. Other wildlife includes spotted deer, boar, monkeys, besides innumerable colourful native birds and migratory ducks. Spending sometime inside the forest can be a rare treat for the nature-loving tourist.

6. Accessibility: Accessible by air to Jessore and from there to Mongla by road and from Mongla to Sundarbans by water transport.

7. Areas of Investment:

a) Construction of international hotel with anciliary; facilities at Khulna and Mongla.

b) Introduction of sea-going vessels to operate package tours between Mongla and Sundarbans and to operate special trips to Kuakata (beach), Patuakhali District and to other nearby offshore islands to explore the riverine beauty of Bangladesh.

Mosque City of Bagerhat is one of the three World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh . This historic city is located within Bagerhat District in south-west Bangladesh . It was founded by Turkish general Ulugh Khan Jahan in the early 15th century. Originally this ancient city was known as Khalifatabad. The city is renowned for its large concentration of mosques and Islamic monuments.

More than 50 monuments have been catalogued as part of the citation by UNESCO World Heritage . These include Shatgombuj Mosque , mausoleum of Khan Jahan, the mosques of Singar, Bibi Begni, Reza Khoda, Zindavir etc.

Shatgombuj Mosque

Sixty Dome Mosque

The Sixty Pillar Mosque (the Shatgumbad) is a mosque located in Bagerhat, south Bangladesh. This is one of the oldest mosques in the country. It attracts a large number of tourists and visitors every year. It has more than sixty pillars with its eighty one gambuj or domes. Seventy seven domes are over the roof and four smaller ones over the four corner towers. It was established by Khan Jahan Ali, a Muslim saint and the local ruler of Bagerhat, during the 15th century CE. The mosque is decorated mostly with terracotta and bricks.

As it is heard that this mosque had been used for three purposes.

• As a prayer mosque.


• As an assembly hall on early times of Muslims.


• Madrasa.