A 320-kg fragment of an ancient sandstone pillar, believed to date back to the 8th–9th century, has been recovered in Joypurhat. The artifact was handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) by local residents after it was reportedly recovered from a group of smugglers.According to a press release issued by the Joypurhat 20 BGB Battalion on Sunday afternoon, the sandstone is estimated to be worth around Tk 1.6 crore.
BGB said it received information about the ancient artifact through a local public representative as part of its ongoing operations to recover archaeological artifacts and touchstone objects. Following approval from higher authorities, a special patrol team of 20 BGB went to the spot and took the sandstone into custody.
According to local residents, a group of smugglers had hidden the artifact in a pond beside a local playground, allegedly with plans to smuggle it out of the area. The matter was later reported to Niamatpur Police Station and officials of the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara Archaeological Museum in Badalgachhi, Naogaon.
A representative of the Department of Archaeology was present during the handover and conducted an initial assessment of the artifact. Later, officials at the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara carried out a detailed examination and confirmed that it was a fragment of a sandstone pillar dating back to the 8th–9th century. They also issued a certificate confirming its archaeological significance.
The BGB said arrangements are currently underway to deposit the recovered artifact at the Paharpur Buddhist Vihara Archaeological Museum in Badalgachhi, Naogaon, for proper preservation.
FP/R 
