Rabindra Memorial Museum (top-right) and reproductions of paintings by Tagore on display at the museum. Photo: STAR

The Rabindra Memorial Museum at Shahjadpur in Sirajganj district houses some rare photographs of Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore and his family. Unfortunately these priceless items are wasting away because of poor maintenance and neglect.
Dr Mohammad Shafiqul Alam, director general of the Department of Archeology, Bangladesh said during a phone conversation that the department has taken initiatives to preserve the heritage and memorabilia of 'Kabiguru' Rabindranath Tagore.
In the year 1969 the then Pakistan government declared 'Rabindra Kachharibari' as a protected archaeological site along with several memorabilia like bedstead, chairs and basin as well as old structures.
Officials of the department said that photographs of the poet and Tagore family were displayed at the museum after 'Rabindra Kachharibari' was declared a museum. The museum also houses photographic reproductions of paintings by Tagore -- the only existing ones in Bangladesh.
In his book "Rabindranath: Kishore Jibon," writer Hayat Mamud noted that Tagore completed over 2,000 paintings and sketches during his lifetime.
Nahid Sultana, custodian, Rabindra Memorial Museum pointed out that only 57 reproductions of paintings by poet are on display at the museum. On the other hand, 87 rare photographs of Tagore and his family members along with other prominent personalities of the day have been preserved at the museum.
According to an official of the museum, there is an urgent need to preserve these photographs and reproductions.