Teachers and students of Rajshahi University (RU) in a human chain demanded the authorities concerned to save the family house of renowned filmmaker and screenwriter Ritwik Ghatak, and declare it a heritage site.

Addressing a human chain around noon in front of the university’s central library, they also demanded setting up a film centre at the house to help the art of filmmaking flourish in the region.

RU Film Society and the university-based magazine “Magic Lanthan” brought out the human chain.

Recent reports that authorities of a homeopathic college were demolishing the ancestral home of the internationally-renowned filmmaker in the city’s Miapara area -- have drawn widespread protests.

Addressing the human chain, speakers said, Ritwik Ghatak is not only a name but he was an institution for filmmakers across the subcontinent.

“Ritwik Ghatak’s films are now discussed, used as text for film schools and showcased in various retrospective sessions of national and international film festivals; but we are having to take to the streets to protect his family home,” said Prof Malay Kumar Bhowmick, a renowned theatre personality.

FMA Jahid, president of Ritwik Ghatak Film Society, said they have been demanding a film centre for twelve years, but authorities concerned have not paid heed.

The speakers vowed to continue their demonstration till their demands are met.

RU Film Society’s President Associate, Prof Sazzad Hossain Bakul; Chairman of theatre department Prof Ataur Rahman Raju; Assistant Professor of folklore department Amirul Islam Kanak; Rajshahi Film Society President Ahsan Kabir Liton, and Varendra Film Society President Sultanul Islam Tipu spoke at the human chain, among others.