Bangladesh, France set to renew Mahasthangarh archaeological excavation

Dhaka: Bangladesh and France have agreed to advance the re-signing of a longstanding agreement on joint archaeological excavation and research at Mahasthangarh, one of the country's most significant archaeological sites, as part of efforts to deepen cultural cooperation between the two nations.

The development came during a courtesy meeting between French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury at the ministry on June 14, read a press release from the ministry.

During the meeting, the minister highlighted the joint archaeological excavation and research program at Mahasthangarh as a notable example of the shared cultural heritage partnership between Bangladesh and France.

He said the agreement, originally signed in 1992, is currently being processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for re-signing to ensure the continuation of collaborative archaeological research and excavation activities.

Officials said the renewed agreement is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to explore, preserve, and document the rich historical legacy of Mahasthangarh, widely regarded as one of the earliest urban archaeological sites in the Bengal region.

The French ambassador expressed France's commitment to working closely with Bangladesh's new government to further expand bilateral cooperation in culture, education, and youth development.

He underscored the potential of Bangladesh's young population and proposed enhanced collaboration in technical training and skills development programs. The ambassador also stressed the importance of expanding French language training opportunities to help Bangladeshi youth access global education and employment prospects.

Welcoming the proposals, Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury noted that Bangladesh and France have enjoyed warm and friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972. He emphasized the need to renew and modernize the bilateral Cultural Agreement signed on 10 March 1987, saying the matter is being pursued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in consultation with relevant government agencies.

Both sides also discussed expanding the activities of Alliance Française in Dhaka and Chattogram to strengthen language education and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The French delegation included Cultural Adviser Frédéric Inza, Alliance Française Dhaka Director François Chambraud, and Alliance Française Chattogram Director Bruno Lacrampe. Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Maula and Joint Secretary Iliya Sumana were also present at the meeting.