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Jhalmal Cinema Hall reduced to ashes

Published : Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 at 6:35 PM

Observer Correspondent

The historic wooden 'Jhalmal Cinema Hall' in Gouripur, Mymensingh, has been reduced to ashes following a fire that originated from a gas cylinder. Additionally, 15 to 20 shops surrounding the cinema hall were destroyed in the blaze.

Upon receiving news of the fire around 2:15AM on Tuesday, four units from the Fire Service rushed to the scene. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 3:40AM after nearly two hours of effort.

Local sources reported that late Tuesday night, roaring flames and the sound of loud explosions were suddenly heard coming from the direction of the cinema hall. Within moments, the fire engulfed the entire historic stage structure, which was constructed from 'Shol' wood. Four Fire Service units—including those from Gouripur, Ishwarganj, and Bangladesh Agricultural University—responded to the scene and brought the fire under control.

Purna Chandra Mutsuddi, Assistant Director of the Mymensingh Fire Service, stated that 15 to 20 shops adjacent to the cinema hall, including an LPG cylinder warehouse, a decoration shop, and a shop selling used clothing, were destroyed. Preliminary assessments suggest the fire may have originated in the cylinder warehouse. The incident caused damages estimated at Tk 15 lakh, while Fire Service personnel managed to salvage goods worth Tk 50 lakh.

This venue stood as a unique symbol of Mymensingh's culture and heritage. This exquisite 20th-century theatre stage was established by Birendra Kishore Roy Chowdhury, a renowned figure with a deep passion for music and drama, and the only son of Brajendra Kishore Roy Chowdhury, the fifth-generation Zamindar of the Gouripur Royal Estate.

While studying in Kolkata, Birendra Kishore had been captivated by the unique architectural style and aesthetic wooden structure of the city's traditional 'Star Theatre.' Inspired by that design, he constructed this visually stunning theatre hall in his hometown of Gouripur using 'Shol' wood. The hall began its journey with the inaugural staging of the historic play 'Shahjahan.' At one time, this theatre stage bustled with the presence of renowned artists and distinguished figures from home and abroad. Later, following the abolition of the 'Zamindari' system during the Pakistan era, the property was transferred to government ownership.

Subsequently, during the golden age of cinema, the hall was leased out to promote entertainment. Initially, it opened locally as 'Giri Cinema Hall.' Later, it was renamed 'Pratima Cinema Hall.' Finally, it became known to the new generation as 'Jhalmal Cinema Hall,' serving as a key hub for entertainment.

A sense of grief and outrage has gripped local cultural activists and the general public following the fire that damaged this historic archaeological site. They have demanded urgent intervention from the administration and the Department of Archaeology to investigate whether this was a mere accident or if there is an underlying mystery. They are calling for the immediate formation of a high-level inquiry committee to uncover the true cause of the fire.

Raihan Uddin Sarkar, a researcher of archaeology in Gouripur, stated that the damage caused by the fire represents more than just the loss of an old cinema hall; it also involves a significant chapter in Gouripur's history of theatre and cultural practice.

Gouripur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Afia Amin Pappa said, "This matter is deeply concerning. An investigation is underway to determine how and why the fire occurred."

When asked who was in charge of the establishment, she explained that it had previously been under a lease agreement. Although a long time had passed, a notice had been issued to the lessee due to a lack of coordination with the administration, but no response was received. She added that the entire situation would now be thoroughly investigated.

- HS/NS