A roundtable discussion titled "Current State, Protection and Preservation of Sonargaon's Archaeological Heritage" was held at the Sonargaon Press Club on Friday.

Organized by the Sonargaon Committee for the Preservation of History, Heritage and Archaeological Resources, the event was presided over by poet Shahed Kayes, convener of the committee, with joint convener Mizanur Rahman moderating the session. The welcome speech was delivered by the committee's member secretary and writer, Robiul Hussain.

Among others who spoke at the event were Sonargaon Press Club Vice President Fazle Rabbi Sohel, Sonargaon Sahitya Niketon President Asma Akhtari, Udichi Sonargaon branch President Shankar Prokash, Sonargaon Sahitya Niketon Advisor Motiur Rahman, Organizing Secretary Mofakkhar Sagar, Education and Research Secretary Moazzenul Haque, Press Club’s Publicity Secretary Khairul Alam Khokon, journalists Mokarram Mamun, Ershad Hossain Onno, Kamrul Islam Pappu, Sonargaon Sahitya Niketon Executive Member Rokeya Begum, cultural activists Shamima Nasrin, Khadija Akhter Mousumi, Pallabi Sarker, Md Rashed, and Iskandar Ali Alvi.

During the meeting, poet Shahed Kayes presented a written statement outlining the current challenges and needs regarding Sonargaon’s archaeological sites.

Speakers highlighted that Sonargaon, once the ancient capital of Bengal, is rich with scattered archaeological relics of historical significance. Many of these relics are already facing destruction due to neglect, they warned.

The participants called for urgent steps to preserve and protect these sites. They urged the authorities to take necessary action to safeguard the remaining archaeological assets and to promote Sonargaon as a tourism-friendly heritage destination.