The Sonargaon History, Heritage and Archaeological Resources Conservation Committee has called for an independent investigation into the recent shooting of the song “Patar Bashori” from Coke Studio Bangla Season 4 at the historic Boro Sardar Bari in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, along with an investigation into alleged financial and administrative irregularities at the Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation, popularly known as the Sonargaon Folk Art Museum.
The committee alleged that the four-day shoot for Coke Studio Bangla Season 4 and a Coca-Cola advertisement caused damage to parts of the historic building. It claimed that the use of high-powered generators, heavy cameras, lighting and sound equipment damaged sections of the walls, ornamentation and designs, while a section near the second courtyard was also allegedly damaged.
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The demands were made at a press conference at the Narayanganj Press Club on Saturday (August 29). Poet and essayist Shahed Kayes, convener of the committee, read out a written statement, while artist and cultural personality Rafiur Rabbi also spoke.
According to the committee, restoration of Boro Sardar Bari, which had remained in a dilapidated condition for years, began in 2012 and was completed in 2017. The building was opened to visitors in 2018.
The committee questioned whether a Heritage Impact Assessment had been conducted before the shoot and whether the necessary approvals had been obtained from the Department of Archaeology and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. It also demanded the disclosure of documents relating to filming permission, financial transactions and the building’s condition before and after the shoot.
The committee further alleged irregularities in the allocation of shops at Karupalli, claiming that genuine craftspeople were placed towards the back while some others were allegedly given shops near Gate No 1 and the parking area in exchange for money.
It also raised allegations of financial and administrative irregularities against Foundation officials, including spending more than Tk 3 crore without approval, organising an event worth nearly Tk 50 lakh without an open tender, and alleged misuse of fake bills and cheques.
The committee called for an independent investigation, special audits, an urgent technical assessment of Boro Sardar Bari by conservation experts, and legal action against anyone found responsible.
