Photo: BSS

 
RANGPUR Nov 4, 2025 (BSS) - Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md Mofidur Rahman has said that archaeological sites help in research as well as providing tourists with a proper idea of civilization, culture and lifestyle. 

 
"The Rangpur region is highly rich in important archaeological sites which attract hundreds of tourists," he said.

 
He said this while virtually addressing a discussion held after the inaugural ceremony of the newly approved Rangpur Regional Director's Office of the Department of Archaeology as the chief guest on Tuesday.

 
Earlier, Director General of the Department of Archaeology Sabina Alam formally inaugurated the Rangpur Regional Director's Office in the Guptapara area of Rangpur city as special guest.

 
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Faisal presided over the discussion held at the conference room of the newly inaugurated Regional Director's Office of the Department of Archaeology. 

 
Regional Director of the Department of Archaeology of Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions AKM Saifur Rahman presented a documentary on archaeological artifacts from eight districts of Rangpur division at the programme. 

 
The chief guest said that the Rangpur Regional Director's Office started its journey from today as the fifth divisional level office of the country.

 
"This new office will accelerate activities of the Department of Archaeology and promote 'Heritage Tourism' and ensure maintenance, protection, renovation-preservation, survey-research and excavation of historical sites and monuments," he said.

 
The revenue earned through 'Heritage Tourism' contributes to the economic development of the country. 
 

Regarding the promotion of archaeological sites, the Secretary said that awareness should be raised at the community level and travel content creators should be involved to attract tourists to the country's archaeological sites. 

 
He called on all concerned to preserve the antiquities of this region. 

 
Director General of the Department of Archaeology Sabina Alam said that archaeological artifacts give an idea of the social, political and cultural lifestyle of the people. 

 
"The more a nation knows about its history, the more prosperous that nation is," she said.

 
Regarding the role of the Rangpur Regional Office in the preservation of antiquities, she said, "This office will bring momentum to the preservation and renovation of artifacts." 

 
She sought everyone's cooperation in searching for archaeological sources and protecting the structures in the region. 
 

Rangpur Divisional Commissioner (Routine Responsibilities) Md Abu Jafar, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md Saiful Islam, Deputy Director (Administration) of the Department of Archaeology Md Kamal Hossain, Deputy Director General of Rangpur Divisional Ansar and VDP Office Md Abdul Awal, Deputy Commissioner of Police of Rangpur Metropolitan Police Md Maruf Ahmed, also spoke as special guests.