Latest news with #Chaitali
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
‘Tagore Integral To Heritage': Bangladesh Forms Committee, Arrests 2 Over Poet's Ancestral Home Vandalism
Last Updated: The Department of Archaeology formed a three-member inquiry committee and ordered a report within five days. The Government of Bangladesh has confirmed legal action following a violent incident at Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home in Shahzadpur, Sirajganj district. The site, managed by the Department of Archaeology, holds deep cultural significance as the Nobel Laureate's residence during the 1890s—where he penned several notable works including Sonar Tori and Chaitali. The unrest began with a dispute between museum staff and a visitor over a motorcycle parking fee. According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when the visitor and his family were allegedly confined and assaulted by staff members. As news of the altercation spread, local residents gathered in protest. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly turned violent, with a mob storming the Rabindra Kachharibari premises and vandalising property, including the museum auditorium. One of the institution's directors was also reportedly assaulted. #Bangladesh revers Nobel Laureate #RabindranathTagore, as integral to 🇧🇩linguistic & cultural #heritage. People hold Tagore in highest esteem.🇧🇩Govt has acted promptly on an incident at the Govt-maintained property of his ancestral at👇🏼 — Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@BDMOFA) June 13, 2025 In response, the Department of Archaeology formed a three-member inquiry committee and ordered a report within five days. The site has since been closed to visitors for security reasons. On June 10, a criminal case was registered with local police, and two individuals were arrested in connection with the violence. The district administration has also launched a separate inquiry. 'The people and the Government of Bangladesh hold Poet Rabindranath Tagore in the highest of esteem and his contribution to our language, literature and culture is deeply revered," the release mentioned. 'The Government and the people of Bangladesh would continue to cherish his contributions and would like to reiterate that in the Bangladesh national and cultural space there is no scope for any divisive and motivated attempt to foment controversy on the subject, reaffirming its reverence for the iconic Bengali poet, the Government of Bangladesh stressed that Tagore is integral to the nation's cultural identity," it added.
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Mob Vandalises Rabindranath Tagore's Ancestral Home In Bangladesh Over Parking Dispute
Last Updated: Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation began when a visitor, accompanied by family, was allegedly confined and assaulted by staff after an argument over motorcycle parking A mob stormed and vandalised Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home in Bangladesh's Shahzadpur in Sirajganj district on Wednesday following a dispute between a visitor and museum staff over a parking fee, raising concerns over the protection of historical sites in the country. Eyewitnesses told that the confrontation began when a visitor, accompanied by family, was allegedly confined and assaulted by staff after an argument regarding motorcycle parking. News of the altercation quickly spread through the local community, prompting residents to stage a protest outside the historic property. What began as a peaceful demonstration escalated rapidly. A group of protesters forcibly entered the Rabindra Kachharibari premises—known for its association with the Nobel laureate—and damaged property, including the museum's auditorium. One of the institution's directors was also reportedly assaulted during the attack. News agency BSS reported that in the wake of the violence, the Department of Archaeology formed a three-member inquiry committee and ordered a report within five days. The site has since been closed to visitors. Md Habibur Rahman, the custodian of the museum, confirmed the closure, citing security concerns and 'unavoidable circumstances". The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly given the cultural and historical significance of the site. Tagore spent time at the Shahzadpur home during the 1890s and penned several notable works there, including Sonar Tori and Chaitali. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and security has been tightened at the site. As of now, no arrests have been confirmed. According to local media reports, the mob included members allegedly affiliated with the Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam who also raised slogans against Tagore. The incident comes in the backdrop of escalating unrest directed at the interim government headed by Mohammad Yunus. In an effort to maintain control, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed an indefinite ban on public gatherings in key parts of the capital. Meanwhile, Yunus's official residence, the Jamuna Guest House, has been sealed off as protests continue to intensify. First Published: June 12, 2025, 08:20 IST
