The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has issued a statement regarding the recent incident of assault, vandalism, and unrest at Rabindra Kachharibari in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, clarifying that no relics or artifacts associated with Rabindranath Tagore’s memory were damaged during the incident.
The ministry further said that the incident stemmed from a personal dispute, with no communal or political motives involved.
In response, the district administration and the Department of Archaeology have each formed separate investigation committees.
Law enforcement authorities have already arrested five individuals and are continuing efforts to apprehend others involved.
According to the statement, Rabindra Kachharibari has been reopened to visitors from Friday.
The Ministry highlighted that Rabindra Kachharibari is a protected archaeological site under the Government of Bangladesh.
Every year, thousands of visitors from home and abroad visit this heritage site to pay tribute to the memory of the great poet.
On Sunday, an altercation broke out between an employee on duty at the site and a visitor over a parking ticket, which escalated into a physical confrontation.
Allegations were also received against Habibur Rahman, custodian of the Department of Archaeology, for allegedly assaulting and unlawfully detaining a visitor named Shahnewaz.
The Ministry’s statement further noted that while the investigation was ongoing, a group of local individuals organized a human chain on Tuesday in support of Shahnewaz, demanding exemplary punishment for Custodian Habibur Rahman and other responsible staff members.
Amid the protest, an agitated crowd entered the premises with the intention of assaulting site employees, during which several staff members were injured.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs assured that no act took place that would dishonor or undermine the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore.
Security measures at Rabindra Kachharibari have been reinforced.
The statement also highlighted that the 164th birth anniversary of the poet was recently celebrated with due reverence and grandeur on 25th Boishakh at the national level in Shilaidaha (Kushtia), Shahjadpur (Sirajganj), and Patisar (Naogaon).
