Bangladesh pauses demolition of Satyajit Ray’s ancestral home

Authorities in Bangladesh have temporarily stopped the demolition of acclaimed filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s ancestral house in Mymensingh, following protests from India and cultural stakeholders.

A committee has now been set up to explore possibilities for reconstructing the site.

The historic house once belonged to Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, Ray’s grandfather and a revered Bengali writer.

The property, now owned by the Bangladeshi government, had reportedly fallen into disrepair, prompting local authorities to begin demolition and propose a new concrete cultural centre in its place.

However, the move sparked strong opposition from across the border.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed regret over the demolition, noting the property’s deep cultural significance. “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 said in a statement.

It also urged Bangladesh to consider alternative options. “Given the building's landmark status, symbolising Bangla cultural renaissance, 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 ministry added. “The Government of India would be willing to extend cooperation for this purpose.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also voiced concern, calling the reports “extremely distressing”.

She highlighted the Ray family’s legacy in Bengali culture and urged for preservation. “The Ray family is one of the foremost bearers and carriers of Bengali culture. Upendrakishore is a pillar of Bengal's renaissance. Therefore, I believe this house is intricately tied to the cultural history of Bengal,” she posted on X. “I appeal to the Bangladesh government and all the conscientious people of that country to take steps to preserve this heritage-laden house. The Indian government should pay attention to this matter.”

Bangladeshi authorities have since acknowledged the uproar, attributing it to a “misunderstanding”. Officials say a review is underway, though initial intentions were to replace the deteriorating structure with a new space for cultural activities.

This controversy comes at a time of heightened tension between India and Bangladesh.

Bilateral relations have grown strained following the fall of the Awami League government and the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in India. Bangladesh’s caretaker administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken a firm stance on sovereignty, calling for Hasina’s extradition and rebuffing India’s involvement in its domestic affairs.

India, meanwhile, has raised concerns over recent reports of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. The situation marks a sharp shift from the historically close partnership between the two nations, particularly since India’s support for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.