A heritage preservation group has alleged that Sonargaon’s historic Baro Sardar Bari was damaged during filming for “Coke Studio Bangla”.

The Sonargaon History, Heritage and Archaeological Resources Preservation Committee demanded disclosure of the shooting approval and payments received by the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation.

It also called for records showing the site’s condition before and after filming.

Shahed Kayes, its convenor, poet and essayist, made the allegations at a press conference at Narayanganj Press Club on Saturday.

He said filming for “Coke Studio Bangla Season 4” and a Coca-Cola advertisement continued for four days, using generators, heavy cameras, lighting and sound systems.

He alleged that parts of the walls, ornamentation and designs were damaged, with a section near the second courtyard also broken.

 “Baro Sardar Bari is an archaeological heritage site. The lime-and-mortar, brick, wood, plaster, flooring and ornamentation of this centuries-old structure are extremely sensitive,” Shahed said.

The group demanded disclosure of whether a “heritage impact assessment” was conducted and whether the Department of Archaeology and Ministry of Cultural Affairs approved the filming.

Foundation Director Kazi Mahbubul Alam said, “Coke Studio Bangla rented the site in accordance with the policy on commercial shooting. No part of Baro Sardar Bari was damaged.”

He said future rentals to large commercial organisations would require ministry clearance.

The group also alleged financial and administrative irregularities involving shop allocations, celebrations, commemorative publications, repair bills, unauthorised spending and construction, and demanded an independent probe and legal action if proven.

Mahbubul said, “The Crafts Foundation is an independent institution. Money from its budget is spent only on necessary work. There are accounts of the expenditure.”

Coke Studio music curator Shayan Chowdhury Arnob did not respond. An official said Arnob had been informed and they needed time to comment. Arnob is now in Canada and is scheduled to perform there Friday evening.