A special seminar titled ‘Pundranagar to Bogura’ will be held in January to explore the ancient history, heritage and historical evolution of Bogura. The seminar will be jointly organised by Bogura History Study and Research Welfare Organisation and Bangladesh History Association of Dhaka University, according to a decision taken at an emergency meeting of organisation on Wednesday night.

The organisation has also decided to publish a comprehensive book in November documenting 75 years of Bogura’s history and heritage, covering the district’s social, cultural and political developments, education, literature, economy, major historical events and overall transformation. Syed Fazle Rabbi Dollar, general secretary of organisation, disclosed the decisions on Thursday.

He said initiatives have been taken to make research activities more dynamic, preserve Bogura’s history, heritage and archaeological resources, and expand the organisation’s activities. “Authentic historical information will be preserved and published to acquaint new generation with Bogura’s glorious past,” he said, adding that the initiatives would create new opportunities for research and help highlight Bogura’s historical significance nationally and internationally. The emergency meeting was held at conference room of Bogura Nursing Home, with A K M Rajiullah, acting president of organisation, chaired the meeting. A number of members the organisation’s advisory council and distinguished academics, professionals and cultural personalities attended the meeting.

Organisation’s advisory council members Advocate Mahbubur Rahman, Dr Mashiur Rahman, Government Mujibur Rahman Bhandari Women’s College Principal Professor Dr Belal Hossain, Government Shah Sultan College Principal Professor Dr Shahidur Rahman, Bogura Press Club President Rezaul Hasan Ranu, Ziaur Rahman, Dr Motiur Rahman, Rural Development Academy (RDA) Director Dr Sheikh Mohammad Mehdi, Dr Sakil Ahmed, Asadul Haque Kajal, Motasim Billah, Advocate Chowdhury Rowshan Jahan, Mohammad Mominul Islam, Fazlul Haque, Astari Rahman, Shahana Yusuf Rushi, Advocate Golam Mostafa Jion, T M Mamun, Masum Aurangzeb, Sheikh Abu Hasnat, Jahedur Rahman, Nure Alam Siddiqui, Lecturer Rubel Rana, Zahid Hasan, Tapsi Akter Mina, M Fazlul Haque Bablu; and Mostafizar Rahman Babul were also present, among others.

The meeting observed that Bogura is not merely an important urban centre in northern Bangladesh; it is also a region with a rich historical legacy rooted in ancient Pundravardhana and Pundranagar. participants stressed the need for extensive research into region’s archaeological remains, history of Liberation War, education, culture, literature, arts, agriculture, architecture and social and political transformation. January seminar will focus on ancient history of region, archaeological significance of Pundranagar, origin of name Bogura, and the political, social and cultural development of region through different periods.

Historians, Researchers and academics of national repute are expected to take part in seminar. The organisers hope initiative will open new avenues for historical research and contribute to documenting and promoting Bogura’s rich historical legacy.