'Boro Kuthi', the Dutch establishment which is supposed to be the ancient mostly concrete-made building of Rajshahi is being used for the purpose of various activities including functions of marriage ceremonies though the building has been declared as an archeologically important site by the department of Archaeology.
However, conscious section of people in Rajshahi blamed the authorities in charge of maintenance of the ancient historical establishment for not paying attention to maintain the building properly.
Now, the Boro Kuthi is maintained by the authorities of Rajshahi University and used as a club of teachers and officials of RU. However, a recent incident of organising marriage ceremony on Friday last inside the Boro Kuthi building has raised further criticism about the maintenance of this historic building.
Last Friday noon, it was seen to arrange a marriage ceremony including cooking of meals, serving meals to the guests and other formalities of marriage was performed inside this building without the concern of local administration. Two employees who oversee the building are authorized to permit the marriage party to arrange such a function inside the building.
However, arranging of such function is strictly restricted and a punishable offence that can be perceived by reading a signboard at the entrance of the building by the department of Archeology which mentioned the building as- Preserved Archeology and also warned that action would be taken against those by awarding fine or one year jail term or both under section 19 of Number-14 Archaeology rule of 1968 to the person who will destroy, damage, change shape, in script, write or even draw any sign or line anywhere of the building.
According to sources, in the first half of 18th century, the Dutch businessmen started to trade in Silk and other materials in Rajshahi. They built the Boro Kuthi at a time in the middle of 18th century. At first the building was known as Dutch Factory to the local businessmen which later termed as Boro Kuthi.
In 1951, Boro Kuthi was turned to a government property and in 1954 the building was handed over to Rajshahi University. The building was then used as the Office and the resident of the Vice-Chancellor of RU. Now, the Boro Kuthi houses clubs of officials and employees of RU. Recently, the authorities of RU have decided to hand over Boro Kuthi under the Ministry of Culture but it is still under process.
Guard of Boro Kuthi Golam Mortuza Chandu stays with his family in two rooms at ground floor of the building. A 'sports room' of the building is used as his drawing room. Bablu, another Peon of RU also in charge of taking care and maintenance of the building but he lives with his family outside the building. These two employees allegedly allowed to arrange marriage ceremony inside the Boro Kuthia building without the knowledge of RU authorities.
Hamidul Haque, Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi said, since the building is still under the supervision of RU, it is the duty of authorities of RU to ensure security and maintenance of the building.
AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation said, earlier step was taken to set up a police station inside the Boro Kuthi but due to resistance from local people that attempt failed.
He further said, step has been taken to declare Boro Kuthi as Heritage of Rajshahi which will be used as spot for research, a preserved tradition of the city, tourism and development.
Boro Kuthi is a two-storied concrete building with 82 feet in length and 67 feet wide. In the up stair, there are six rooms and a meeting room. Those rooms were being used as living rooms. There are several rooms on the ground floor. Most of those rooms are dark and damp.
