Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka/New Delhi

Dhaka/New Delhi, Jun 12: India on Thursday issued a strong condemnation over the vandalism of Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home—the Rabindra Kachharibari—in Bangladesh’s Sirajganj district, calling it a “disgraceful act” that desecrates the cultural heritage and inclusive ideals the Nobel laureate stood for.

Addressing the media, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal denounced the June 8 attack by a mob on the historic site and urged the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to take strict and immediate action against the perpetrators.

“We strongly condemn the despicable attack and vandalisation of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home by a mob. This act is a disgrace to his memory and the teachings he espoused in Bangladesh—teachings rooted in tolerance, unity, and culture,” said Jaiswal.

He added that the incident was part of a disturbing trend of extremist attempts to erase symbols of cultural harmony in Bangladesh.

“We urge the interim government to rein in such extremist elements and ensure such disgraceful attacks do not recur. These have, sadly, become repetitive.”

Despite the provocation, Jaiswal reiterated India’s intention to pursue a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, grounded in the shared aspirations of both nations.

Details of the Vandalism

According to reports from Bangladeshi media, a mob of 50–60 individuals stormed the Rabindra Kachharibari, which houses a memorial museum dedicated to Tagore. The auditorium and the custodian’s office were ransacked, causing significant damage to the cultural site.

Eyewitnesses recounted the terror:

“There were visitors on-site who panicked during the sudden attack. We took shelter and immediately alerted police,” said Habibur Rahman, the custodian.

Visitor Enamul Haque, who was present with his family, condemned the incident:

“Criminal activities at a historic site like Shahzadpur Rabindra Kachharibari are unacceptable.”

The Shahzadpur Police confirmed the complaint was registered and the investigation is underway.

Political Fallout

In India, West Bengal Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari raised the issue publicly, calling it an attack on Bengal’s cultural identity.

“The sacred legacy of our most precious Kobiguru Rabindranath Thakur was desecrated. BNP and Chhatra Shibir activists led this mob that vandalised a site representing Tagore’s universal message of peace,” Adhikari posted on X.

With emotions running high on both sides of the border, India has now placed the onus on Dhaka to act swiftly against those responsible and to safeguard the legacy of one of the subcontinent’s most revered cultural icons.