The ancestral house of iconic filmmaker and Oscar winner Satyajit Ray is now facing demolition in Bangladesh. Authorities plan to replace the historic structure with a semi-concrete building. This development has drawn concern from India, with the Indian government urging Bangladesh to reconsider the demolition. India also offered help to restore the house and convert it into a museum.

Home Linked to Ray’s Grandfather

According to Bangladesh’s Daily Star newspaper, the house once belonged to Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, Satyajit Ray’s grandfather. He was a well-known writer and editor. The building, located in Mymensingh city, was previously used as the Mymensingh Shishu Academy. However, now it is being demolished to make space for a new building.

India Expresses Regret Over Demolition

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed sadness over the demolition. In its statement, the MEA said, “We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished.”

The ministry further explained that although the property is now owned by Bangladesh’s government, it is in a poor condition. Still, India believes that, given its historical importance and its role as a symbol of the Bengali cultural renaissance, Bangladesh should reconsider tearing it down.

The MEA added, “It would be preferable to reconsider the demolition and examine options for its repair and reconstruction as a museum of literature and a symbol of the shared culture of India and Bangladesh. The Government of India would be willing to extend cooperation for this purpose.”

Mamata Banerjee Appeals to Bangladesh

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also reacted to the news. Posting on X, she said, “I learnt from media reports that the memory-entwined ancestral house of renowned writer-editor Upendrakishore Roychowdhury in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh city is being demolished. The reports say that the demolition process had already begun. This is heartbreaking news.”

She appealed for action from both the Indian and Bangladeshi governments to save the historic property.

Bangladesh Defends Demolition Decision

Bangladesh’s Department of Archaeology said the house, built over 100 years ago, became government property after the Partition in 1947. In 1989, the site was converted into the Mymensingh Shishu Academy, which served as a children’s institution.

A local official told the Daily Star that the demolition is being carried out legally with all necessary approvals. The official explained that a new semi-concrete building will replace the old structure to continue the academy’s activities. The new building will have several rooms to better serve the children.

When questioned about the decision to demolish a property of such cultural value, the official said the structure was unsafe for children who gathered there. Hence, officials considered it necessary to remove the old building to avoid any risks.

While Bangladesh proceeds with the demolition, the Indian government has expressed willingness to help restore and preserve the site. Whether Bangladesh accepts this offer remains to be seen. The house, standing on a 36-decimal plot about 120 km north of Dhaka, now faces an uncertain future.