1,700-year-old Buddhist temple found in Bangladesh

From:

Feb 9, 2007

An ancient Buddhist temple, estimated to be 1700 years old, has been discovered in Bihar Dhap area in Bogra district of northern Bangladesh.

Another Buddhist shrine, about 1500 years old dating back to the pre-Pal period, was excavated earlier on the same premises by the archaeological department.

Archaeology officials said that the lower part of the temple was decorated with arched panels of terracotta and ornamental bricks. A brick structure comprising some small rooms has also been discovered in the temple.

There are small steps leading to a lawn-like space that was possibly used for placing the statues of worship, The Daily Star newspaper said.

Abdul Khaleque, Rajshahi divisional regional director of Archaeology Department, said this could be part of the larger temple complex that might emerge if the excavation work started last December runs properly.