DHAKA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- A more than 1,700-year-old ancient Buddhist temple has been discovered in Bangladesh's Bogra district,170 km northwest of capital Dhaka during a recent archaeological excavation, local newspaper The Daily Star reported Friday.

    Earlier about 1,500-year-old Buddhist temple was excavated on the same premises.

    The newly excavated Buddhist temple is more than 1,700 years old, archaeology officials said, adding that the lower part of the temple was decorated with arched panels of terracotta and ornamental bricks.

    A brick structure comprising some small rooms has also been discovered in the temple.

    There are small steps leading to a lawn-like space that was possibly used for placing the statues of worship.

    Abdul Khaleque, divisional regional director of Archaeology Department said the entire temple might emerge if the excavation work started early December last year runs properly.

    Possibly this Buddhist temple was abandoned before construction of earlier discovered 1,500-year-old temple where more sophisticated terracotta and brick-built structures were found.