'Take steps to preserve Mughal structures'

They said these archaeological sites should be preserved in the same way as Lalbagh Fort and Nawabbari have been preserved.

The rally was organised by Paribesh Bachao Andolon, a movement to save environment, in association with Old Dhaka Environment Development Forum on Boro Katara premises near Sowarighat.

Abu Naser Khan, convenor of the movement, said heritage is also a part of environment and many such old structures are becoming extinct due to lack of government's effort to preserve them.

He said most parts of the two Kataras have already been destroyed while the remaining parts are very dilapidated, but the archaeology department is taking no initiative to preserve them.

Construction of high-rise buildings and setting up of shops and other structures around them are causing the dilapidation of the kataras, he added.

Ikma Hossain of Peace, Nazimuddin of Dhakabashi, Ashraf Amirullah of Old Dhaka Environment Development Forum, Architect Ashraful Gani of Bangladesh Tourism Expansion Forum (BTEF), and Architect Nahas Khalil also addressed the rally presided over by Dr Abu Sayeed of the University of Asia Pacific.

Later, BTEF organised a mobile photo exhibition on two kataras meaning house with arches.

Chhoto Katara was built by Shayesta Khan in 1663 while Boro Katara by Meer Qashem in 1664.