Photo : Collected

BOGRA, May 30, 2026 (BSS) – An expert team will visit the Mahasthangarh Museum in Shibganj to determine whether the 47 statues preserved at the archaeological museum are original artifacts or replicas.
 
The decision was taken at a review meeting held at the office of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) in Shibganj today to discuss the latest developments in the investigation being conducted by a probe committee formed in this regard.
 
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam attended the meeting as the chief guest.
 
During the meeting, committee members informed the state minister about the latest progress of the inquiry, the steps taken so far, and the available data and information.
 
Considering the importance and sensitivity of the issue, the meeting also decided to extend the tenure of the probe committee by 15 more days.
 
The meeting further decided to examine the statues with the assistance of a team of experts from the Department of Archaeology of Jahangirnagar University to ensure a fair, scientific and comprehensive evaluation of their authenticity.
 
“We are hopeful that the investigation will be completed within the extended timeframe,” said Ziaur Rahman, UNO of Shibganj Upazila and convener of the probe committee.
 
In 2007, the 47 archaeological stuff were sent to France for display at an international exhibition. After the exhibition, those were reportedly kept in the museum's storeroom without any further examination.
 
The government later formed a probe committee to investigate the matter following an allegation raised before the state minister at a meeting of the Upazila Law and Order Committee on May 11.