In a strongly-worded letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep outrage over the alleged vandalism of a historic house associated with Rabindranath Tagore in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. Calling the incident a "grievous assault on the cultural and literary heritage of Bengal," Mamata urged the Centre to take up the matter with the government of the neighbouring country at the highest level.
The site in question, popularly known as the Kachari Bari, holds immense historical significance. Tagore is believed to have spent considerable time at the estate during his lifetime, penning several literary works that have left an indelible mark on Bengali literature and global culture. Describing the house as a “fountain of creativity,” Banerjee lamented that what had been attacked was far more than just a structure— it was a sanctum of inspiration and legacy.
In her letter, Banerjee wrote, "The incident of vandalism is not only shocking, but also unfortunate for our national pride and cultural legacy. It is a vile attack on our sensibilities, our cherish treasurers and our common nostalgia for a past when Tagore could transcend all thresholds in pursuit of his immortal creations. During the Swadeshi movement, the poet could raise his fine voice against the Partition of Bengal to reach all the people.”
She reminded the Prime Minister of Tagore's pivotal role in shaping modern Bengali identity, including his vocal resistance against the partition of Bengal during the Swadeshi movement.
“For people of Bengal, this attack is an onslaught on the commonly held legacy of Tagore. The invaluable treasury of Bengali language and literature owes significantly to the majestic contributions of Tagore. To strike at the ancestral relational roots of Taore today tantamtounts to striking at the roots of immortal creations of the great poet intrinsically bonding the brothers and sisters of the world,” she wrote.
The vandalism occurred on Tuesday when a group of individuals allegedly broke into the premises, damaged furniture, smashed windows and physically assaulted a staff member. The confrontation reportedly began over a disagreement regarding the issuance of bicycle parking tokens, which quickly escalated into violence. The Sirajganj police have launched an investigation and are working to identify the perpetrators.
Banerjee called for firm diplomatic engagement to ensure accountability and to prevent any such recurrence in the future.
She further appealed for international condemnation, underscoring that Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy belongs not just to Bengal or India, but to the entire world. “What has been vandalised is not a mere house, but a towering fountain of creativity in our subcontinent,” Mamata asserted.
Urging the Centre to take up the matter "strongly”, Mamata said in her letter, “I would urge you to kindly take up the matter very strongly with the neighboring country’s government, so that no stone is left unturned to swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous and mindless act. Although untold damage has already been done, a strong international protest would at least deter in any future attack on monuments of cultural legacies that have withstood steadfastly all tests of time.”
As the investigation unfolds in Bangladesh, voices from across India’s cultural and academic circles have begun echoing Banerjee’s sentiments, calling for urgent action and cross-border cooperation to protect shared legacies that transcend national boundaries.
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