Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has demanded strict action against those responsible for the vandalism of the Kachari Bari, which is associated with the memory of poet Rabindranath Tagore in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future.
Speaking at the ministry’s weekly briefing on Thursday, Jaiswal said: “This attack is part of the way extremists are systematically destroying symbols of tolerance and harmonious culture in Bangladesh.
“Unfortunately, such incidents are happening again and again.”
He called the attack “heinous”, adding: โThis violent incident is against the inclusive philosophy and teachings of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. The poet has repeatedly spoken about that philosophy.”
Early Thursday, a team of Shahjadpur police arrested two people in connection with the attack and vandalism of the Kachari Bari.
They are Abdus Salam, 43, of Rooppur Notunpara, and Sardul Akand Ratna, 19, of Dwariapur Lodipara in the upazila. They were sent to jail via court on Thursday afternoon.
Officer-in-Charge Aslam Ali said that they arrested the duo after an investigation of the attack.
Kachari Bari custodian Habibur Rahman filed the case for vandalism and torture. The case names 10 people and 50-60 unidentified people.
On June 8, a visitor named Shahnewaz went to visit Kachari Bari with his family members. There, he had an argument with a gate employee over the motorcycle parking fee.
Later, the custodian and other employees of the Kachari Bari allegedly caught Shahnewaz and locked him in the office and physically tortured him.
Upon receiving the news, Shahnewaz’s guardians and local BNP leaders rescued him. Shahnewaz filed a written complaint with Shahjadpur police station that night.
On June 10, Shahnewaz and his associates protested and formed a human chain in front of the Press Club in the afternoon. Later, from a procession passing the Kachari Bari, a group of protesters vandalised the auditorium of Kachari Bari and beat up the staff.
After that, the authorities banned visitors from entering the house for an indefinite period starting Wednesday. A three-member team from the ministry visited the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
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