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The Supreme Court has granted the government permission to appeal a long-standing ban on construction at the Mahasthangarh archaeological site in Bogura, a location listed on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites. This decision allows for a review of the High Court's 2012 verdict, which halted all development activities at the historic landmark.

The government, represented by the Attorney General's Office, contends that essential facilities such as prayer areas and washrooms for female visitors are urgently needed at Mahasthangarh. They are seeking to modify the High Court's directives to permit the construction of these necessary amenities. The government argues that permanent development works are currently prohibited, hindering basic visitor services.

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Mahasthangarh is an ancient historical landmark listed on Unesco tentative list of World Heritage Sites.

However, preservation advocates, led by Senior Advocate Manzill Murshid representing Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), are opposing the government's plea. They argue that any construction within the ancient site could jeopardize its chances of achieving final World Heritage status. HRPB had initially filed a public interest litigation in 2010, leading to the 2012 High Court order that barred development. A recent dispute over a Tk 73 lakh project to build a women's restroom highlighted the ongoing tension between development needs and heritage preservation.

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there is a pressing need to build prayer facilities and washrooms for female visitors at Mahasthangarh.