500-year-old archaeological structure Sardar Bari of Sonargaon damaged in Coke Studio shooting

Local history and heritage conservation activists have raised the demand for rapid repair and necessary steps to protect the almost 500-year-old historical Boro Sardar Bari located in the premises of the museum of Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation in Sonargaon of Narayanganj. At the same time local history and heritage conservation workers have also raised questions about the role of the foundation’s officials by alleging that the historical structure was rented commercially for shooting and later it was damaged.

These allegations and demands were informed by the Local History-Heritage and Archaeological Resources Conservation Committee by holding a press conference at the Narayanganj Press Club auditorium at noon on Saturday (August 29). Convener of the organisation, poet and essayist Shahed Kayes said in a written statement that recently the Boro Sardar Bari was rented to a multinational institution for four days for the shooting of an advertisement film. He claimed that various parts of the structure have been damaged while removing the temporary structure and equipment after the shooting.

Shahed Kayes alleged that although the collection of six lakh taka is mentioned in the papers for rent, in reality several times more money has been taken than this. Before the shooting the director of the restoration project of Boro Sardar Bari Architect Professor Dr Abu Sayeed M Ahmed had inspected the structure and informed the fear of the architectural decorations of the building being damaged by the use of heavy machinery. He alleged that the house was rented for shooting by ignoring his advice.

It was further claimed at the press conference that several parts of the cornice of the building have broken after the shooting and there are also marks of damage inside. Besides, allegations of irregularities in various projects and expenses were raised against Director of the Foundation Kazi Mahbubul Alam and Engineer Hanif Ahmed. Among these allegations there is the allegation of giving work of about half a crore taka to an institution named F Five Communication without tender in the celebration of Bangla New Year 1432.

The speakers further alleged that irregularities like embezzlement of about 20 lakh taka by making fake bills and cheques in the name of F Five Communication, showing work of six lakh taka as 30 lakh taka in the construction of two ATM booths and making a bill of about 12 lakh taka against an estimated expense of five lakh taka in the publication of the foundation’s commemorative book have occurred. Alongside allegations of embezzlement of money through extra or fake bills were also made in the name of workers, keeping money in a private bank by ignoring the direction of the governing board, publication of the golden jubilee commemorative book and purchasing raw materials of the craftspersons of Karupalli.

A total of 12 allegations of irregularities and corruption regarding the activities of the foundation were raised at the press conference and the demand for independent and impartial investigation was made. At the same time the call was made for rapid assessment of the damage of Boro Sardar Bari and necessary repair and following strict policy in the use of archaeological and historical structures for commercial work in the future. Painter and writer Rafiqur Rabbi, poet Rahman Mujib, president of Narayanganj district Sujan Dhiman Saha Jewel and poet Moazzemul Haque were present at the press conference.

Attempts were made several times to contact Director of Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation Kazi Mahbubul Alam on his mobile phone to know his statement regarding the allegations but he did not receive the call. As a result his statement regarding these allegations could not be obtained.