Bogura Correspondent

The French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marie Masdupuy, has paid her visited the historic archaeological site of Mahasthangarh in Bogura on Friday.

This ancient city, known as Pundranagar, dates back over 2,500 years and has long been a focal point for archaeological research.

Upon her arrival at the Mahasthangarh Archaeological Museum in the afternoon, the Ambassador was greeted with flowers by Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ziaur Rahman. She then toured various significant archaeological sites and observed ongoing excavations supported by France.

Ambassador Marie Masdupuy visited key locations, including the Mahasthangarh Archaeological Museum, Bairagir Vita, Jahajghata, Gobinda Vita, Mankali’s Temple, Shah Sultan Balkhi’s Mazar, and Gokul Medh widely believed to be the legendary Bihula-Lakhindar’s bridal chamber.

Additionally, she explored Vasu Bihar, an important Buddhist monastic site. Accompanying the Ambassador were her Secretary Guillaume Dismounts, French Archaeological Mission’s Cultural Attaché Baptiste Lebret, Deputy Director Colin Refrank, and several local officials, including Dr. Nahida Sultana, Regional Director of the Department of Archaeology (Rajshahi & Rangpur), Shibganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Hannan, and Mahasthangarh Museum Custodian Razia Sultana.

Custodian Razia Sultana stated that the French Ambassador's visit primarily aimed at reviewing the French-supported archaeological excavations in Mahasthangarh. The Ambassador toured the museum and important heritage sites while discussing their historical significance.

Notably, Mahasthangarh is one of Bangladesh’s oldest archaeological sites, historically known as Pundravardhana or Pundranagara, which once served as the capital of Bengal. Archaeological findings suggest that a thriving civilization existed here as early as 2,500 years ago. In 2016, Mahasthangarh was declared the SAARC Cultural Capital.

Experts believe that Ambassador Marie Masdupuy’s visit will further highlight the historical and archaeological importance of Mahasthangarh on an international scale.