Publications
Tourists’ Perception of Heritage Sites in Bangladesh: An Investigation from the Demand-Supply Perspectives
A significant gap exists between tourists' expectations and the actual experiences provided at Bangladesh's heritage sites, including the UNESCO-listed Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur. This mismatch negatively impacts tourist satisfaction, highlighting critical areas for improvement: cultural authenticity, site accessibility, interpretation services, visitor facilities, and infrastructure. The study employed SMART PLS 3.0 to analyze structural equation modeling, revealing statistically significant path coefficients (p < 0.05) that link these factors to higher satisfaction levels. These findings underscore the need for policymakers to integrate cultural heritage more comprehensively into tourism development plans, balancing sustainability with competitive destination management to foster a thriving heritage tourism industry in Bangladesh.
A Morphological Study of the Ancient Buddhist Monasteries of Bengal
A significant shift in the morphological character of Bengal Buddhist monasteries occurred after the 8th century, driven by the rise of tantra-oriented Vajrayana Buddhism. This study analyzed five monasteries built between the 5th and 12th centuries, revealing how the integration of esoteric practices transformed their spatial layouts. The research suggests that both intrinsic religious influences and extrinsic factors shaped the architectural evolution of these sites, providing insights into the interplay between philosophy and form in ancient Bengal's Buddhist heritage.
Predictive 3D Modelling and Virtual Reality of the World Cultural Heritage of Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur, Bangladesh
A groundbreaking approach to digital conservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur, Bangladesh, has been developed using predictive 3D modelling and virtual reality (VR). This innovative method allows for the reconstruction of ruined structures in near-real conditions, enabling a virtual journey from the present to the past. The study integrates archaeological data with advanced IT tools, guided by the London Charter (2006) and Seville Principle (2011), to achieve high-quality outputs that facilitate the forecasting and regeneration of cultural heritage. Unlike traditional statistical forecasting, this approach focuses on predicting the past, offering a new paradigm for archaeology in Bangladesh.
Paharpur (Rājshāhi, Bangladesh)
The ruins of the Buddhist monastery at Paharpur, Bangladesh, represent the largest such archaeological site discovered south of the Himalayas. Spanning over 27 acres, the central structure is so massive it is locally known as 'Paharpur,' meaning 'hill.' The complex, believed to have been originally named Somapura Vihara, stands as a monumental testament to Buddhist architecture and civilization in the region. This discovery underscores the significance of Paharpur as not only an architectural marvel but also a key cultural and historical landmark, offering insights into the religious and social dynamics of ancient South Asia.
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