Demolition Halted After Diplomatic Pushback
Bangladesh has put a stop to the demolition of Satyajit Ray’s ancestral house in Mymensingh. The decision follows strong objections from India and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The house once belonged to Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, Ray’s grandfather and a respected Bengali writer. The property, although now in poor condition, is seen as a cultural landmark that connects the histories of both nations.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a formal statement expressing “profound regret” over the attempted demolition. They emphasized the site’s significance as a symbol of the Bangla cultural renaissance and offered to assist in restoring the property as a museum of literature.
“Given the building’s landmark status… it would be preferable to reconsider the demolition,” the statement read.
Mamata Banerjee Calls It a Cultural Crisis
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the incident “extremely distressing.” She appealed to the Bangladesh government and its citizens to preserve the house, noting that it represents an essential part of Bengali identity.
“The Ray family is one of the foremost carriers of Bengali culture,” she said. “This house is tied to Bengal’s cultural history.”
Bangladesh Responds: Committee Formed
The Bangladeshi government responded by halting the demolition. A committee will now assess options to reconstruct or repurpose the house, possibly into a cultural centre. Officials cited safety concerns for the original demolition plan but acknowledged the regional backlash as a “misunderstanding.”
Backdrop: Strained India-Bangladesh Relations
This heritage dispute arises amid tense diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Dhaka. The ousting of the Awami League government and former PM Sheikh Hasina’s exile to India have strained ties. A caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now governs Bangladesh.
India has raised concerns over attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. In turn, Dhaka has demanded India extradite Hasina and refrain from “interference in domestic matters.”
Why This Matters
The fate of Ray’s house is more than a local issue. It reflects the shared legacy of two nations that were once one. Satyajit Ray’s global influence, particularly in cinema and literature, makes this house an icon of regional pride.
The issue also touches on the growing call for preservation of cultural heritage in South Asia, especially as urban development threatens historic structures.
Caption: Works by Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, housed in cultural exhibitions across India and Bangladesh.
What Lies Ahead?
For now, demolition plans are suspended. The formation of the committee is a positive sign. Preservationists and artists hope the house will be restored as a symbol of Indo-Bangla unity and used to educate future generations.
The Indian government has reiterated its willingness to collaborate. Whether Bangladesh accepts this offer remains to be seen.