Boro Sardar Bari Damaged by Coke Studio Bangla Shoot, Committee Seeks Investigation
A recent shoot for Coke Studio Bangla Season 4 and a Coca-Cola advertisement at the historic Boro Sardar Bari in Sonargaon, Narayanganj allegedly caused damage to parts of the building.
The Sonargaon History, Heritage and Archaeological Resources Conservation Committee has called for an independent investigation into the incident, as well as alleged financial and administrative irregularities at the Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation.
The committee claimed that the use of high-powered generators, heavy cameras, lighting and sound equipment damaged sections of the walls, ornamentation and designs. A section near the second courtyard was also allegedly damaged.
The restoration of Boro Sardar Bari 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 necessary approvals were obtained from the Department of Archaeology and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
The committee also raised allegations of 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 further alleged financial and administrative irregularities against Foundation officials, including spending more than Tk 3 crore without approval.
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.