Dhaka, 17 July 2025 — The Government of Bangladesh has urged all concerned to refrain from spreading misleading information regarding the demolition of a building in Mymensingh, which has been inaccurately reported by some sources as the ancestral home of renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) confirmed—after a thorough review of land records and historical documents—that the property in question bears no connection to the Ray family. The house, long used by the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, was originally constructed by local zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury for his employees and is situated next to the historic Shashi Lodge.
After the abolition of the zamindari system, ownership of the land, which is categorized as non-agricultural government land, transferred to state control and was later leased to the Shishu Academy for long-term use. The building, declared structurally unsafe and abandoned for years, had become a hotspot for illicit activity, prompting its scheduled demolition earlier this year.
Despite the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressing concern and offering support for preservation, Bangladeshi authorities reiterated that the site has no familial or historical ties to Ray or his forebears. Local historians and community leaders—including writer Kangal Shahin, academic Prof Bimal Kanti Dey, and poet Farid Ahmed Dulal—have also confirmed there is no evidence linking the demolished house to the Ray family.
Officials noted that the actual Ray family residence on Harikishore Ray Road—named after Satyajit Ray’s great-grandfather—was sold decades ago and replaced with a modern multi-storied building.
The MoFA further clarified that the demolished property was not listed as a protected archaeological site. In line with community needs, a new semi-permanent facility for the Shishu Academy will be constructed at the site, aiming to better serve children in Mymensingh.
Public notifications regarding the demolition were widely circulated in local and national newspapers earlier this year. A recent meeting hosted by the Deputy Commissioner of Mymensingh brought together senior citizens, journalists, and cultural figures who unanimously supported the redevelopment project and endorsed the government’s position.
Bangladeshi officials emphasized their commitment to preserving cultural heritage but warned against disinformation that could disrupt public harmony.
