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The Bangladeshi government is seeking to overturn High Court directives that prohibit permanent infrastructure development within the Mazar area of Mahasthangarh, a significant archaeological site in Bogura. The government lodged an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on July 7, arguing that the existing restrictions are hindering essential projects and visitor amenities.

Appellants, including the home secretary and local officials, contend that the High Court's rulings have stalled vital infrastructure and beautification initiatives. They specifically cite a project to develop a shrine mosque and the construction of a women's restroom, which have been halted due to the court orders. The government argues these restrictions deprive visitors of necessary facilities.

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The leave to appeal petition, submitted through the Attorney General's Office on July 7, names the home secretary, Bogura deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, custodian of Mahasthangarh, officer-in-charge of Shibganj Police Station and secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs as appellants.

The appeal challenges two specific High Court judgments: one from January 19, 2012, which directed the government to protect Mahasthangarh and its adjacent structures, and another from March 5, 2020, ordering an immediate halt to excavation and construction within the site to prevent encroachment.

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The petition argues that the HC restrictions have stalled essential infrastructure and beautification projects, depriving visitors of basic facilities.

The dispute intensified following the commencement of a Tk 73 lakh project to build a women's restroom near the shrine area on June 15. The Department of Archaeology (DoA) intervened, warning that permanent construction would violate the Antiquities Act and existing court directives. The DoA's regional director wrote to the Bogura deputy commissioner, emphasizing Mahasthangarh's historical significance as one of Bangladesh's most important archaeological sites, dating back 2,500 years and listed on UNESCO's tentative list.

Despite the deputy commissioner ordering a halt to construction, local residents, identifying themselves as "devout followers and development-seeking general public," demonstrated and submitted a memorandum to the museum custodian, urging the continuation of development work.

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Mahasthangarh, or ancient Pundranagar, is one of Bangladesh's most significant archaeological sites with a history spanning 2,500 years and is included on Unesco's World Heritage Tentative List.