New Delhi: 

The incident took place on June 8 in Sirajganj, where a group of around 50–60 people reportedly stormed the Rabindra Kachharibari, a museum located in the Nobel laureate’s ancestral estate.

 India has strongly condemned the vandalism of Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home in Bangladesh and demanded immediate action against those responsible. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the attack as “an act of terrorism” and urged the interim government in Dhaka to rein in extremist elements threatening shared cultural legacies.

 Trigger for the attack

The violence was reportedly sparked by a dispute over motorcycle parking fees. A visitor was allegedly confined and assaulted, leading to public outrage. What began as a protest quickly escalated when a mob stormed the premises, damaging the museum and its adjoining auditorium. Several heritage structures were also reported to have been vandalised.

‘Extremism on the Rise in Bangladesh’: MEA

India has called on Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to take “strict action against the perpetrators and ensure such incidents do not recur.” Jaiswal further linked the attack to the “rising tide of extremism in Bangladesh.”

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a strong statement condemning the incident. “We strongly condemn the despicable attack on Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home in Bangladesh. This is a disgrace to his memory and an attack on the values of inclusivity and tolerance that he stood for. It fits a disturbing pattern of attempts by extremist groups to erase symbols of shared heritage,” Jaiswal said. in a statement

Reactions surface from political leaders

The incident has triggered political responses across party lines. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami termed the act “shocking and unacceptable,” adding that it occurred “under the silent gaze of Mohammad Yunus’s government.” He called it “far beyond mere vandalism—a premeditated hate crime and an attack on the civilisational spirit and cultural heritage of Bharat.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also responded, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue at the highest diplomatic level. In her letter, Banerjee wrote: “For the people of Bengal, this is an attack on a shared legacy,” and that “the invaluable treasure of Bengali language and literature owes significantly to the majestic contributions of Tagore.”

Bangladesh’s response

Built in a distinct Indo-European architectural style, the structure is considered an architectural marvel. It has been converted into a museum, housing many artefacts, manuscripts, and personal belongings of Tagore. As such, it stands as an invaluable cultural asset that, many argue, requires better protection.

The Bangladesh Department of Archaeology has sealed off the museum for investigation and formed a three-member committee to submit a report within five working days. Security has been tightened in the area, confirmed Md Habibur Rahaman, the custodian of the Rabindra Kachharibari Museum to NDTV.

Located in Shahjadpur, Rabindra Kachharibari, also known as the Rabindra Memorial Museum, was once the administrative center of the Tagore family’s estate, purchased by Rabindranath’s grandfather Dwarakanath Tagore in 1840. Rabindranath Tagore frequented the site and, in a letter to his niece Indira Debi, wrote, “Here, I am more inspired to write than anywhere else.”

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