India has strongly condemned the vandalism of Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home in Bangladesh, demanding that the Bangladeshi government take decisive action against extremist elements and ensure the safety of cultural symbols. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has described the incident as a "despicable attack" and a "disgrace" to Tagore's memory and the inclusive philosophy he espoused.
The incident, which occurred on June 8, 2025, involved a mob of 50-60 people who vandalized the Rabindra Kachharibari in Sirajganj district, a historic site that houses a memorial museum dedicated to Tagore. The auditorium and custodian's office were ransacked, causing significant damage and sparking outrage in India and among cultural organizations worldwide. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the attack fits a pattern of systematic attempts by extremists to erase symbols of tolerance and eviscerate Bangladesh's syncretic culture.
The response from India has been firm, with calls for the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to "rein in the terrorists" and prevent such incidents from recurring. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also criticized the interim government for its inaction, alleging that the attack was pre-planned and carried out by Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam. The BJP urged the global community to condemn the attack, emphasizing Tagore's universal message of humanity and his role in writing the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also weighed in, urging the central government to take up the matter strongly with Bangladesh and ensure justice for the "heinous and mindless act." She described the attack as a blow to the shared legacy of Bengali literature and India's freedom struggle, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response.
Bangladeshi media reports indicate that the vandalism stemmed from a dispute between a visitor and staff over a parking fee, which escalated into a violent protest. Local police have registered a case against 50 to 60 people in connection with the attack, and an investigation is underway. The authorities at the Rabindra Kachharibari have temporarily closed the premises to visitors.
This incident has occurred against a backdrop of strained relations between India and Bangladesh following the establishment of the Yunus-led interim government in August 2024. India has expressed concerns over the release of Islamic extremists from prison and the rise of anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh. There are also concerns about Bangladesh's growing ties with Pakistan, which India views as a source of global terrorism. Despite these challenges, India has reiterated its desire for a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, anchored in the aspirations of the people of both countries. However, this recent event underscores the need for Bangladesh to address the issue of extremism and ensure the protection of its cultural heritage.
In light of the attack, it is crucial for Bangladesh to take concrete steps to address the underlying issues of extremism and intolerance. This includes strengthening law enforcement, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting the rights of minorities. It is equally important for India and Bangladesh to maintain open channels of communication and cooperation to address shared security concerns and promote regional stability. The desecration of Tagore's ancestral home serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the region and the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting peaceful coexistence.
