The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Archaeologists have found two ancient brick-built structures at the Paharpur world heritage site in the country, which they believe belonged to a period even earlier than the site's known time, the Pala Era.

The brick-built structures were found under the foundation of the main temple at Paharpur.

Dr Md Shafiqul Alam, Director of Archaeology Department, said that another structure was found outside the temple area.

Mahbubul Alam, Assistant Custodian of Paharpur Site, said, "An ancient broken terracotta piece was found under the basement of the temple near the newly discovered structure while a decorated brick was found in the lower portion of the northern side of the temple."

Meanwhile, archaeologists dug out another brick-built structure from an earth-filled base on top of the 72-feet high temple. They believed that the structure was made for beautification.

According to Nahid Sultana, custodian of Rabindra Kacharibari Site of Shajadpur in Sirajganj and also a member of the Paharpur excavation team, said, "An almost similar brick-built wall was found outside the temple premises. Both the structures were built with bigger size bricks."

"These structures confirm that there was a civilization before the Pala Dynasty," she said.

According to the archaeological documents, at least 53 stone statues have been lying in the wall niches in the lower portion of the temple underground.

Some 13 statues have so far been found during several archaeological excavations, according to the officials.