Has Bangladesh Stopped the Demolition of Satyajit Ray's Ancestral Home at India's Request?

New Delhi, July 17 (NationPress) Following India's intervention, the demolition of the ancestral house of the iconic filmmaker Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, has been suspended. Authorities in Bangladesh have established a committee to explore options for the reconstruction of the house, which now remains with only a few walls intact.

This historic residence, located in Mymensingh City, was originally owned by Ray's grandfather, the esteemed children's literature pioneer Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury.

The demolition issue was highlighted by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who urged the Indian government to engage with Bangladesh to stop the destruction, emphasizing the house's significant ties to Bengal's cultural heritage.

In her plea, she also called upon the Bangladeshi government and its citizens to take measures to safeguard this historically rich property.

In a post on her official X account, CM Banerjee expressed her distress over the reports of the demolition, stating, "The Ray family stands as one of the principal custodians of Bengali culture. Upendrakishore was a foundational figure in Bengal's renaissance. Thus, I strongly believe this house is deeply intertwined with Bengal's cultural legacy. I urge the Bangladesh government and the conscientious individuals of that nation to act towards preserving this heritage-rich site. The Indian government must also consider this matter seriously," she wrote.

Shortly after her statement, the Indian government proposed a partnership with Bangladesh to assist in the restoration and reconstruction of Ray's ancestral home.

Expressing its concern over the demolition, the Ministry of External Affairs made an official statement, saying, "We express our deep regret regarding the demolition of the ancestral property of the renowned filmmaker and author Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, which belonged to his grandfather, the eminent writer Upendrakishor Ray Chowdhury."

"This property, currently under the ownership of the Government of Bangladesh, is deteriorating. Given its iconic status as a symbol of the Bangla cultural renaissance, we believe it is essential to reconsider the demolition and explore the possibilities for its repair and reconstruction as a literary museum and a testament to the shared culture of India and Bangladesh," the government added.

The Government of India expressed its willingness to provide support for this initiative.

Initially, Bangladeshi officials cited safety concerns as a reason for the demolition, suggesting a new concrete structure to replace the aging house, which would serve as a hub for cultural activities, according to a report by NDTV.