Bangladesh: Cultural workers express frustration over the unfulfilled demand for a memorial museum honoring Suchitra Sen

 

Voice 9, Dhaka Bureau: Through a humble tribute and discussion session, the tenth death anniversary of the great Suchitra Sen was observed in Pabna. However, the cultural workers of Pabna expressed their frustration over the absence of a memorial museum for Suchitra Sen in her hometown for many years.

On Wednesday (January 17), at 11 a.m., cultural workers paid their respects by offering flowers at the legendary actress's ancestral home on Hemsagar Lane in the city. A moment of silence was observed for her peace of soul.

Later, a discussion session was organized by the Suchitra Sen Memorial Preservation Council. Dr. Ramdulal Bhomik, the council's chairman, and the general editor, Dr. Naresh Madhu, along with Pabna Press Club President ABM Fazlur Rahman, the council's vice chairman, Faridul Haque, and the integrated cultural alliance's general editor, Dewan Mazhar, spoke at the discussion session.

ABM Fazlur Rahman, the president of the Pabna Press Club, stated that Suchitra Sen is a pride of Pabna and the subcontinent. Despite more than ten years passing since her demise, the establishment of the Suchitra Sen memorial museum in her hometown has not been realized. On her death anniversary, we demand that the museum be established in her home as soon as possible. Otherwise, the cultural workers of Pabna will be compelled to protest again.

Dr. Naresh Madhu, the general editor of the Suchitra Sen Memorial Preservation Council, mentioned that some initiatives are being taken by the council. After conducting a research paper, we have planned to provide training on the film industry and establish communication with India for collaboration to ensure the council's activities continue. However, due to financial constraints, everything cannot be implemented. We are in contact with the Ministry of Culture to proceed with the process. Since the honorable president is with us, if we all request him, we believe he will agree to do the work.

Dr. Ramdulal Bhomik, the chairman of the council, mentioned that the government process is a bit complicated. When the package was taken for the development of this house, there were only 8 institutions in that package. Now, 21 institutions have been added to the package project. The work is not progressing at all. The only solution is to take the house of Suchitra Sen out of that package and start a separate project for its development. Besides, I don't see any other alternative.

He said, "The house was recovered in 2014. Many years have passed, and nothing has happened in the house yet. But the house is deteriorating day by day. The honorable Supreme Court has directed the government to develop the house. But there is no progress in its implementation."