Sreepur Zamindar Bari, an archeological asset, on the verge of ruination

MAGURA, Nov 28: Archeological asset Sreepur Zamindar Bari is now on the verge of ruination for the lack of proper maintenance.

History tells during the regime of Baro Bhuiyan Pratapaditya was the king of Jessore region. In favour of Protapaditya Zaminder Sharada Ranzan Choudhuri performed the duty of zaminder in Sreepur area of the district. In this connection, Udayditya, son of Protapiditya, married Bibha Pal Choudhuri, daughter of Sharada Ranzan. Then Sharada Ranzan constructed the building with the financial help of Protapaditya.

An interesting thing is Bibha Pal was presented as a pathetic character in 'Bou Thakuranir Haat', a famous novel by Rabindranath Tagore. The character was named as 'Shurama'.

The novel tells Udayaditya wanted to live a simple life. He along with his wife Bibha very often visited Sreepur Zamindar Bari.

The building is only 15 km away from the district town holding a smooth road communication. The entrance gate of the building is now in a vulnerable condition. Numbers of cracks have already developed on the building wall. Plaster is falling down from the ceiling.

Local people of the upazila are now demanding to declare the important historical spot as archeological asset.

A college teacher of the area said Sreepur Zamindar Bari and Bibha Pal have been mentioned in Tagor's famous novel Bou Thakuranir Haat. "It hurts when we see the authority concerned shows the negligence towards the fascinating relic", he added. 

Nobuat Molla, a freedom fighter of Barishat village under Sreepur upazila, said the zamindar bari is a glorious part of our heritage. All should come forward to save the valuable asset.

Magura Deputy Commissioner Md Atiqur Rahman said, "It could be an attractive tourist spot and I have already given a proposal to the authority concerned in this regard."

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