The Government of Bangladesh has firmly rejected claims, largely circulated by Indian media outlets, that the demolished house in Mymensingh was the ancestral home of renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray. Dhaka called the reports “baseless, historically inaccurate, and a deliberate attempt to mislead.”

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False Narratives published by Indian media

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a detailed investigation into archival land records revealed that the property in question never belonged to Ray’s family. Instead, it was built by local zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury for his staff and is located adjacent to his historic residence, Shashi Lodge. “Archival records clearly prove the house has no familial or historical link to Satyajit Ray or his ancestors,” the statement said.

The government emphasized that such disinformation — especially when spread by Indian media without verification — amounts to a propaganda effort that distorts history and fuels unnecessary controversy.

Current Condition of The ancestral house of Oscar winner filmmaker Satyajit Roy . Photo: BSS

Following abolition of the zamindari system, the property became government-owned and was later leased to the Bangladesh Shishu Academy. The building served as the local Shishu Academy office for years before becoming unsafe, abandoned, and misused by anti-social elements. Since 2014, the Academy had shifted to a rented space elsewhere.

In early 2024, authorities approved the demolition of the dilapidated structure to make way for a new semi-permanent facility. The process followed due legal procedures, including a public auction notice published on March 7 in national and local newspapers.

The district administration also held a public meeting on Thursday with respected local citizens, including writers, academics, and cultural figures. All participants confirmed that the house had no connection to Ray's family. Eminent writer Kangal Shahin, academic Professor Bimal Kanti Dey, and poet Farid Ahmed Dulal were among those who dismissed the foreign narrative as fabricated. “The misinformation being pushed serves no one. It’s important to base heritage claims on verified history, not emotion or external political interests,” said Professor Dey.

The Ministry added that the house is not listed as a protected archaeological monument, and that the only genuine Ray family connection to the area was a different house on Harikishore Ray Road — sold decades ago and since replaced by a modern building.

Even local archaeology researcher Swapan Dhar confirmed that the now-demolished building bears no historical or familial link to Ray’s lineage.

Dhaka urged all parties, especially foreign media, to act responsibly and avoid spreading unverified or politically motivated narratives that disrupt public understanding and harmony. “We hold the legacy of Satyajit Ray in high regard,” said a government spokesperson. “But heritage should be honored with truth, not fiction.”

 

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