On Monday, a delegation of BJP leaders from West Bengal visited the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata to register their protest against the reported vandalization of Tagore’s ancestral house. The delegation, led by BJP legislator Agnimitra Paul, sought clarification from the Bangladeshi authorities regarding the incident. Paul questioned why the statue of Tagore was broken and why Hindus in Bangladesh were allegedly attacked, criticizing the interim government for not taking action against such acts.
Tripura: Statewide Protests and Diplomatic Tensions
In Tripura, the BJP held statewide protests across border areas near Bangladesh, condemning the vandalism of Tagore’s ancestral home. Led by BJP General Secretary and MLA Bhagaban Das, demonstrators gathered in locations such as Agartala and the Akhaura Integrated Check Post to voice their outrage. Das described the incident as a barbaric attack on shared cultural heritage and criticized the interim Bangladeshi government for failing to maintain law and order.
The protests escalated when a group of demonstrators breached the security at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, removed the Bangladesh national flag, and caused property damage. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as “deeply regrettable,” emphasizing that diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances. The MEA also stated that the government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh diplomatic missions in India.
Delhi: Protest Near Bangladesh High Commission
In the national capital, the Delhi unit of the BJP staged a protest near the Bangladesh High Commission to condemn the recent attack and vandalism at Tagore’s ancestral home. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the incident and express deep concern over the disrespect shown to the cultural icon’s legacy.
Diplomatic Reactions and Calls for Accountability
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the vandalism of Tagore’s ancestral home, describing it as a “pre-planned” attack. The Bangladeshi authorities have claimed that a few arrests have been made in the case and an investigation has been ordered into the incident.
In India, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concern over the vandalism and urging him to press Bangladesh for swift justice and international condemnation to deter future attacks on culturally significant sites. The nationwide protests organized by the BJP highlight the deep emotional and cultural ties between India and Bangladesh, particularly concerning shared heritage sites like Tagore’s ancestral home. The incident has sparked diplomatic discussions and calls for accountability from both governments to ensure the protection of cultural landmarks and maintain bilateral relations.
