India Intervene In Demolishing Satyajit Ray Residence

The demolition of Satyajit Ray's ancestral home in Bangladesh's Mymensingh has sparked widespread concern. The property, which once belonged to Ray's grandfather, Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury, was used as the Mymensingh Children's Academy but had fallen into disrepair. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had appealed to the Bangladeshi government to preserve the historic property, calling its demolition "heartbreaking".

The Indian government has expressed regret over the demolition and requested that Bangladesh reconsider its decision. The Ministry of External Affairs has suggested that the property could be converted into a museum dedicated to literature and shared cultural heritage between India and Bangladesh. The government has offered to extend cooperation for this purpose, highlighting the building's landmark status and its significance as a symbol of Bangla cultural renaissance.

The property was taken over by the government after the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 and was turned into the Mymensingh Shishu Academy in 1989. However, the century-old house had been abandoned for about 10 years and was in a state of disrepair. Bangladeshi officials claim that the demolition is being carried out with necessary approvals and a new semi-concrete structure will replace it.

The demolition of Satyajit Ray's ancestral home has raised concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage. Locals have blamed the administration for neglecting the property, which is a significant part of Mymensingh's history. The property's demolition would wipe out the legacy of the Ray dynasty in the city, and many are hoping that the Indian government's request will be taken into consideration.