The ancestral house of legendary Bengali filmmaker Ritwik Kumar Ghatak in Rajshahi's Miyapara area has been demolished, with many blaming the Rajshahi Homeopathic Medical College for the destruction.
Ghatak, known for his timeless classics like “Meghe Dhaka Tara” (The Cloud-Capped Star) and “Titash Ekti Nadir Naam” (A River Called Titas), spent his childhood and youth in this house, which now lies in ruins.
In the aftermath of the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, cultural activists have alleged that Anisur Rahman, principal of the Homeopathic College, was behind the demolition of the historic structure.
They claim that the college authorities have long attempted to demolish Ghatak's house to use the land for other purposes. Cultural workers have repeatedly blocked these efforts.
In 2020, news of the college authorities attempting to demolish the house to build a bicycle garage sparked nationwide protests.
Organizations like the Ritwik Ghatak Film Society, Rajshahi Film Society, Rajshahi University Film Society, and Varendra Film Society organized human chains, and 12 filmmakers sent protest letters.
Film personality Nasiruddin Yousuff, along with 11 other filmmakers, also issued a statement condemning the demolition attempt.
In response, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs initiated efforts to preserve the house.
The ministry sought the district administration's opinion on the matter, and a committee was formed to determine the best course of action.
Members of the committee visited the site, identified the remaining parts of the house used by Ghatak's family, and recommended preserving the old house in its original condition. Despite this, the house was demolished between August 6 and 7.
In protest, members of the Ritwik Ghatak Film Society demanded that those responsible for the demolition be brought to justice and punished.
When asked, Rajshahi Homeopathic Medical College Principal Anisur Rahman claimed that on August 6, some students began demolishing the house.
He said that he recognized some of them but denied any involvement of the college authorities, despite their plans to take over the land.
Cultural activist Annaba Kabir refuted the principal's claim, adding: “The principal is now shifting the blame on to the students.”
Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed acknowledged the demolition, saying: "I have heard about the demolition of Ritwik Ghatak's ancestral house. Cultural workers have approached me, and I have asked the additional deputy commissioner (Education and ICT) to investigate and submit a report within seven days. Necessary action will be taken against those responsible, and whatever remains of the house will be preserved."
In response to the incident, the organization "Youth Action for Social Change - YASC" demanded an immediate halt to the demolition, and the preservation of Ghatak's ancestral home.
They also called for punishment of those responsible, pending a fair and impartial investigation.
On Wednesday afternoon, a memorandum was submitted on behalf of the organization to Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed and Divisional Commissioner Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir, urging action.
The memorandum, written by YAS President Md Shamiul Alim Shawon and General Secretary Md Atiqur Rahman Atiq, referenced a 2021 letter from the Deputy Commissioner's Office, Rajshahi, which indicated that the house was structurally sound and should be preserved.
The memorandum also highlighted the importance of preserving Rajshahi's historical structures as heritage sites.
Later, a delegation led by Shawon and Atiq visited the site and later met Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ahmed to discuss the incident.