Satyajit Ray’s ancestral home being demolished in Mymensingh

The nearly 200-year-old ancestral home of Harikishore Ray in Mymensingh city is currently being demolished to make way for a new building by the Bangladesh Shishu Academy. The decision has sparked outrage among archaeologists, historians, and concerned citizens, with a storm of criticism surfacing on social media.

This historic house is widely known as the ancestral home of Harikishore Ray—the forefather of the iconic Ray family that includes Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, Sukumar Ray, and internationally acclaimed filmmaker Satyajit Ray. A road in Mymensingh is even named after him: Harikishore Ray Road.

Experts argue that the house holds significant historical and cultural value and should be preserved. Sabina Yasmin, a field officer at the Department of Archaeology, stated, “Although the building is not currently listed as a protected archaeological site, there is a strong possibility it will be included in this year’s survey.”

Reports confirm that the front portion of the building has already been demolished, and interior structural damage has occurred. While the demolition is currently paused, the entire structure remains at risk of destruction.

Mohammad Mehedi Zaman, District Child Affairs Officer at the Shishu Academy, said, “Since 2010, the building has been declared unfit for use. Due to safety risks, we attempted to repair it once, but it was not feasible. At present, we are renting an alternative space for BDT 47,000 per month, which is causing financial strain on the government.”

He added, “We are demolishing the building with proper authorization and in compliance with regulations. After demolition, we plan to build a temporary semi-pucca structure, followed by a five-story building.”

When asked if the old building could have been preserved and incorporated into the new construction, Mehedi Zaman responded, “The building was declared abandoned long ago. We are working based on recommendations from the Department of Public Works.”

However, writer and poet Fayez Ahmed called the decision “regrettable,” saying, “If we continue destroying our heritage like this, future generations will lose all connection to Mymensingh’s history.”

Meanwhile, Mymensingh’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Reza Md. Golam Masum Pradhan, stated, “We have summoned Shishu Academy to clarify how they proceeded with the demolition. After reviewing the documents, a decision will be made.”