India’s Plea Saves Satyajit Ray’s Ancestral Home In Bangladesh

NEW DELHI (IANS) – The demolition of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s ancestral home in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, has been halted following concerns raised by India. Bangladeshi authorities have now formed a panel to explore how the house, which currently has only a few walls remaining, can be reconstructed.

This ancestral property in Mymensingh City belonged to Ray’s grandfather, Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, a renowned figure in children’s literature.

The issue of the demolition was first brought to attention by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She urged the Indian central government to intervene with Bangladesh, emphasizing the house’s close link to Bengal’s cultural history. Banerjee also appealed directly to the Bangladesh government and its citizens to help preserve this heritage-laden site.

In a post on her official X handle, CM Banerjee expressed that reports of the demolition were “extremely distressing.” She wrote, “The Ray family is one of the foremost bearers and carriers of Bengali culture. Upendrakishore is a pillar of Bengal’s renaissance. Therefore, I believe this house is intricately tied to the cultural history of Bengal. I appeal to the Bangladesh government and all the conscientious people of that country to take steps to preserve this heritage-laden house. The Indian government should pay attention to this matter.”

Shortly after her appeal, the Indian government announced its proposal to collaborate with Dhaka on the repair and reconstruction of Ray’s ancestral property.

Earlier, Bangladeshi authorities had cited safety risks and reportedly suggested that a new concrete structure would replace the dilapidated house, serving as a center for cultural activities.