Satyajit Ray Mymensingh Property – India Aid
Bangladesh Clarifies Ownership of Property Linked to Satyajit Ray’s Ancestral Home
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dhaka: Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that a property recently in the news, which India had offered to help restore as satyajit Ray’s ancestral home, in fact belonged to a local zamindar, Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury. The ministry cited archival records to refute claims of any connection to the renowned filmmaker’s family.
Archival Records dispute Ancestral Link
In a statement, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry stated, “Detailed inquiry into the archival records re-confirmed that the house in question never had any relation with the ancestors of the esteemed laureate Satyajit Ray. It was built by a local Zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury, next to his bungalow house ’Shashi Lodge’, for his employees.”
The ministry further explained that after the abolition of the zamindari system, the property came under government control.It was later allocated to the Bangladesh Shishu Academy adn has since served as the office for the District Shishu Academy.The land itself was classified as non-agricultural government (Khas) land and was leased to the Shishu Academy on a long-term basis.
no Known Association with Ray Family, Ministry Confirms
Following a review of land records, the Bangladesh foreign ministry confirmed that the land belongs to the government and has no association with the Ray family.
“Local senior citizens and respected individuals from various communities also attested that there is no known past connection between the Ray family and the house and land currently leased to the Shishu Academy. The house is not listed as an archaeological monument, either,” the ministry added.
Harikishore Ray Road Named after Ray’s Great-Grandfather
The ministry also noted that the road in front of the property, ‘Harikishore Ray Road’, is indeed named after Satyajit Ray’s great-grandfather, Harikishore Ray, who was the adoptive parent of Satyajit Ray’s grandfather, upendra Kishor ray Chowdhury.Though, the statement clarified that the Ray family had previously owned a house on Harikishore Ray Road, which they sold long ago. That original house no longer exists, having been replaced by a multi-storied building constructed by its new owner.
Local Consensus Supports Shishu Academy Advancement
Professor Bimal kanti Dey, a respected member of civil society in Mymensingh, provided further details regarding the misperception about the house’s ownership. Local poet and writer Farid Ahmed Dulal also affirmed that the house has no connection to Satyajit Ray or his family.
All present individuals unanimously supported the construction of a new building for the Shishu Academy,emphasizing the benefits for the children of Mymensingh and urging the project to proceed without delay.