Screen legend Suchitra Sen’s ancestral home occupied

Suchitra Sen's ancestral home in Pabna.

April 6 marked the 78th birth anniversary of legendary actress Suchitra Sen. Sen's family were originally residents of Pabna. Her paternal residence is at Gopalpur village in Pabna municipality area. This screen legend's ancestral residence has been unlawfully occupied by Imam Gazzali Institute, Pabna. Locals, in particular cultural enthusiasts of the district, urged the authorities to look into the matter and take necessary actions to free the property from the grabbers.
According to the historians and autobiographers, Suchitra Sen was born on April 6, 1931 at the village Bhangabari under Belkuchi upazila in Sirajganj district. She was born at her maternal grandfather's residence. Her father's initial residence was in Shujangar upazila under Pabna district. Her father Karunamoy Dasgupta became the sanitary inspector of Pabna municipality in early 20th century. The family then started living at the Gopalpur village in Pabna.
Suchitra's family left Pabna for West Bengal during the Partition in 1947.
During a visit to the 'Imam Gazzali Institute' this correspondent found that 225 students are currently enrolled in this school. Md. Belal Hossain, a teacher, said that the school authority has taken the lease from the government following official procedures.
When contacted, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Land, Md. Shahjahan said, "We have healrd of the issue of occupation. We are investigating on how this residence was leased earlier. If irregularities are found, we will take necessary actions."
“Legendary actress Suchitra Sen is originally from this district. We are proud to be able to call her a 'daughter of Pabna.' But her ancestral residence where she passed her early years is occupied now. No initiative has been taken to preserve the house and thus her memories,” said Md. Zakir Hossain, secretary of Ekushey Book Fair Celebration Committee, Pabna.
With best wishes on Sen's birthday, cultural activists and enthusiasts of the district expressed that the actress had a great contribution in sub-continental cinema. Her films are considered classics. They demanded proper recognition of her contribution and demanded that her residence be freed from occupation.