The Society for Bengal History and Civilization (SBHC) expressed deep concern and strong protest over the damage caused to the establishment during the shooting of Coke Studio Bangla at the historic Bara Sardar Bari in Sonargaon, Narayanganj.

In a statement, SBHC said, "It is in no way acceptable for such an important establishment with a history of several hundred years to be used for commercial shooting and for parts of it to be damaged due to lack of necessary precautions and supervision."

A historical establishment like Bara Sardarbari is not just an old building, it is an important part of our history, architecture and cultural memory. Even minor damage to these establishments is irreparable in many cases. Consequently, there should be no opportunity to put national heritage at risk for the sake of any commercial or entertainment event.

SBHC demands a proper investigation into this incident, prompt and expert conservation of the damaged parts and ensuring accountability of those concerned. At the same time, we urge the government to formulate clear and strict policies for shooting, events or conducting any other commercial activities in the country's historical and archaeological sites.

"Heritage must be protected before it is used. The history and architectural heritage of Bangladesh cannot be damaged by paying the price of any organization's commercial activities. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure proper preservation, regular supervision and protection of these sites for future generations. We hope that the policymakers will take immediate and effective steps in this regard."

Earlier, The Sonargaon History, Heritage and Antiquities Preservation Committee alleged that the historic 'Bara Sardarbari' of the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation (Sonargaon Museum) was damaged due to the use of the commercial shooting of Coke Studio Bangla. The leaders of the organization made this allegation at a press conference organised at the Narayanganj Press Club on Saturday afternoon.

At the press conference, committee convener Shahed Kayes said that the video of 'Coke Studio Bangla Season 4' was recently shot at Boro Sardarbari for four days. During this time, the walls, decorations and design of the building were damaged due to the use of various equipment including high-powered generators, heavy cameras and sound systems. He claimed that a part of the second courtyard was also broken.

He said that Bara Sardarbari of the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation, established through the efforts of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, was opened to visitors in 2018 after renovation. He also questioned whether the approval of the Department of Archaeology or the Ministry of Culture was taken before commercial shooting at the historical and sensitive establishment.

Cultural personality Rafiur Rabbi said, "It is surprising that this 300-year-old structure in the capital is being rented out to a commercial organization like Coke Studio."

The organization's joint convener, poet Rahman Mujib, vice-president of Narayanganj Cultural Alliance, Dhiman Saha Jewel, and education and research secretary of Sonargaon Sahitya Niketan, Moazzenul Haque, were present at the press conference.