An expert team has been formed to verify whether 47 statues preserved at the Mahasthangarh Museum in Bogura are genuine or replicas. The decision came during a meeting held on Saturday at the office of the Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer, attended by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam MP. The committee members briefed the minister on the progress of the investigation and the steps taken so far.

Considering the sensitivity of the issue, the committee’s tenure has been extended by 15 working days. To ensure a more impartial and scientific assessment, specialists from Jahangirnagar University’s Department of Archaeology will examine the statues. Committee convener and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ziaur Rahman stated that Mahasthangarh is a vital archaeological heritage site and expressed hope that the investigation would conclude within the extended period.

The inquiry follows allegations raised at a local law and order meeting on May 11, after reports in several media outlets drew government attention to the matter.