France has urged the interim government of Bangladesh to prioritize restoring cultural heritage, following the destruction of historical artifacts in Mymensingh. French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy emphasized this during her visit to the city on European Art House Cinema Day, observed on Friday.
The event, hosted for the first time in Bangladesh, was organized by the International Academy of Film and Media (IAFM) and the International Confederation of Art Cinemas (CICAE). The occasion allowed the ambassador to experience the rich history of Mymensingh, which she described as “gorgeous.”
The French Embassy highlighted the event on X, formerly Twitter, calling it an opportunity to promote universal values through art and culture. It also underscored the destruction of the Venus sculpture, which once adorned the garden of Soshi Lodge, a historic palace built by Maharaja Shashikant Acharya over 200 years ago.
The white-marbled statue of Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty and love, was destroyed on August 8 by a mob celebrating the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister. The palace, locally known as Mymensingh Rajbari, has been a landmark in the city, with its lush garden featuring fountains and sculptures.
Ambassador Masdupuy expressed her dismay at the statue’s destruction, calling for action to restore the country's cultural heritage. She tagged Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus and UNESCO in a post, urging them to prioritize heritage restoration.
The European Art House Cinema Day, celebrated globally, promotes independent and art-house films while advocating for cultural appreciation and justice. The event in Mymensingh was supported by IAFM and Institut Français, reflecting France's commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and preserving heritage worldwide.
This initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting Bangladesh’s historical and cultural legacy for future generations.
