Coke Studio Bangla accused of damaging Sonargaon site

A heritage preservation group has alleged that Sonargaon’s historic Baro Sardar Bari, a nearly 500-year-old Mughal-era structure, was damaged during filming for ‘Coke Studio Bangla Season 4’ and a Coca-Cola advertisement.

The Sonargaon History, Heritage and Archaeological Resources Preservation Committee raised the allegations at a press conference at the Narayanganj Press Club on Saturday.

The convenor of the committee, poet and essayist Shahed Kayes, claimed that the four-day shoot using generators, heavy cameras, lighting and sound systems damaged walls, ornamentation, and a section near the second courtyard.

The press conference was also attended by the organisation’s joint convener and poet Rahman Mujib, cultural activist Rafiur Rabbi and Dhiman Saha Jewel, vice-president of the Narayanganj Cultural Alliance, among others.

“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," Kayes said.

The committee demanded disclosure of whether a "heritage impact assessment" was conducted and whether the Department of Archaeology and Ministry of Cultural Affairs approved the filming. They also called for records showing the site's condition before and after the shoot.

The group further alleged financial and administrative irregularities at the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation, which manages the site, including unauthorised spending and construction. They demanded an independent probe and legal action if proven.

However, the director of the foundation, Kazi Mahbubul Alam, denied the damage allegations, stating: "Coke Studio Bangla rented the site in accordance with the policy on commercial shooting" and that "no part of Baro Sardar Bari was damaged.”

Future rentals to large commercial organisations would require ministry clearance, he added.

Coke Studio music curator Shayan Chowdhury Arnob did not respond to requests for comment. An official said Arnob had been informed and they needed time to respond.

The committee warned that damage could become irreversible without urgent restoration work and called for government measures to protect the historic site.