The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that the recently demolished house in Mymensingh was not the ancestral home of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
The statement, issued on Thursday, July 17, responded to concerns raised by media outlets and the Indian government.
According to the ministry, some reports incorrectly claimed that the demolished property once belonged to Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, Ray`s grandfather. However, official records show no familial or historical connection between the Ray family and the house.
The demolished building was originally constructed by local zamindar Shashikanta Acharya Chowdhury as a staff bungalow beside his residence, Shashi Lodge.
After the end of the zamindari system, the property became government-owned and was later allocated to the Bangladesh Shishu Academy as its district office.
Records confirm the land is non-agricultural, government-owned, and leased to the Shishu Academy.
Since 2014, the building had been abandoned and deemed structurally unsafe, leading to its use for illegal activities. Plans were initiated in early 2024 to replace it with a semi-permanent structure.
Following due process, the Shishu Academy obtained permission to dismantle the structure through a public auction. Notices were published in both national and local newspapers on March 7. Authorities also reconfirmed there was no link between the property and Satyajit Ray.
The government urged all parties to avoid spreading misinformation and reaffirmed its dedication to preserving the country’s cultural and historical heritage based on verified facts.
