500-year-old Sardar House damaged after Coke Studio shooting

There have been allegations that some parts of the establishment were damaged after the historic Sardar House of the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation Museum in Sonargaon, Narayanganj was rented out commercially for shooting. Local history and heritage preservation officials have claimed that some parts of the main building collapsed when the temporary structure was dismantled after the shooting.

The local History, Heritage and Antiquities Preservation Committee has demanded an investigation into the incident along with the immediate renovation and preservation of the historical establishment.

Damage allegations at press conference

The organization's convener, poet and essayist Shahed Kayes, raised these allegations and demands at a press conference organized at the Narayanganj Press Club auditorium on Saturday (August 29) afternoon.

He said that the Sardar House of the Folk and Crafts Foundation Museum in Sonargaon is a historical establishment that is about 500 years old. This building, known as an important monument of Mughal architecture, was recently rented commercially to Coke Studio for shooting.

Shahed Kayes alleged that some parts of the main building collapsed while the temporary structure was being dismantled after the shooting. He claimed that the historical structure was significantly damaged.

Demand for urgent renovation and investigation

The speakers at the press conference said that the Baro Sardar Bari is an important historical and archaeological asset of the country. Therefore, the issue of its damage needs to be considered urgently and seriously.

They feared that if the damaged parts are not renovated quickly, the structure may suffer further damage. Therefore, they demanded a proper investigation of the incident and the damaged parts be renovated by experts.

At the same time, they called for the Baro Sardar Bari to be restored to its previous condition according to its historical design and structure.

Call for preservation of historical structures

The speakers called for more caution in conducting commercial shootings or other activities in the country's historical structures in the future. They urged the government to take effective conservation measures to ensure that the structure and antiquities of historical structures are not damaged in any way.

Complaints also raised about the facilities of artists and craftsmen

At the press conference, it was also alleged that the artists and craftsmen of the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation are being deprived of various facilities.

The speakers demanded that the artists concerned be ensured proper status, facilities and necessary support.