DINAJPUR, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) – Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has handed over seven ancient statues and other archaeological artifacts recovered during separate operations in Dinajpur to the Department of Archaeology for preservation.

Dinajpur Battalion (42 BGB) handed over the artifacts to Md Shihab Hossain, Assistant Custodian of Kantanagar Archaeological Museum in Kaharole, Dinajpur, on Tuesday, said a press release issued by the paramilitary force this afternoon.

According to BGB, the force regularly conducts operations along the border to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking and illegal trafficking of archaeological artifacts, alongside its border security duties.

On July 5, 42 BGB recovered three ancient stone statues during separate operations in Belaichundi Malipara of Parbatipur upazila and Ichhail area of Kaharole upazila in Dinajpur.

Four other archaeological artifacts recovered at different times from various areas of Biral and Khansama upazilas had also been kept in BGB custody.

Following court orders and directives from the relevant authorities, all seven artifacts were handed over to the Department of Archaeology for proper preservation.

Earlier, on April 30, BGB handed over three ancient stone statues weighing 30.6kg, 30.37kg and 45.37kg to the Custodian of Paharpur Archaeological Museum in Badalgachhi, Naogaon.

On May 11, another ancient stone statue weighing 9.54kg was handed over to the Custodian of Kantanagar Archaeological Museum.

Dinajpur Battalion Commander Lt Col Abdullah Al Moin Hasan said archaeological artifacts are important evidence of a nation's history, heritage and cultural identity, and BGB was giving the highest priority to prevent their illegal trafficking and destruction.

He said intelligence surveillance and regular operations in border areas had been strengthened, while recovered artifacts were being handed over to the appropriate authorities to ensure their preservation.