Panamnagar, a township set up by Hindu merchants in the colonial era in Sonargaon [the ancient capital of Isa Khan's kingdom in Bengal], is virtually losing its originality and uniqueness as an architectural heritage site, in the name of restoration and conservation.

The Department of Archaeology (DoA) has not involved any historian, archaeologist or an architect in the conservation work, rather hired masons are carrying out the job, distorting and defacing a proud heritage of the country, experts said.

The government's approach is just arbitrary, unplanned and aimless, said conservation architect Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed adding that the government is carrying out the conservation project without any proper and authentic documentation, which is a prerequisite to conservation of a heritage site.

An office assistant at the site office of DoA, Md Anisur Rahman, told this correspondent, "We are carrying out the restoration work hiring masons on a daily basis. The masons know how to do the job."...

World Monuments Watch rated Sonargaon-Panam City as one of the most endangered heritage sites in 2006.