In a forceful appeal to the central government, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed grave concern over the alleged vandalism of Rabindranath Tagore’s historic residence in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee termed the act as a “grievous assault on the cultural and literary heritage of Bengal” and called for strong diplomatic action to ensure justice and safeguard such historic sites.
The vandalised property, popularly known as Kachari Bari, holds deep emotional and historical value. Rabindranath Tagore, Asia’s first Nobel laureate, is believed to have spent significant periods of his life at this estate. Several of his iconic literary works were penned in the tranquility of this residence, making it a site of cultural pilgrimage for lovers of Bengali literature worldwide.

Describing the vandalism as a direct attack on the soul of Bengal’s heritage, Banerjee stated that what was destroyed was not merely a structure, but a “towering fountain of creativity” that continues to inspire generations.
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 cherished treasures, and our common nostalgia for a past when Tagore transcended all barriers in pursuit of immortal creations.”
She also reminded the Prime Minister of Tagore’s role as a unifying figure during the Swadeshi movement, especially his fierce opposition to the partition of Bengal.

“An onslaught on Tagore’s successors”

Condemning the act in the strongest terms, Banerjee added: “For the people of Bengal, this attack is an onslaught on the commonly held legacy of Tagore. The invaluable treasury of the Bengali language and literature owes much to his majestic contributions. To strike at the ancestral roots of Tagore today is to strike at the roots of his immortal creations—creations that bond the brothers and sisters of the world.”

According to reports, the vandalism occurred on Tuesday following a heated argument between a group of individuals and the security staff at the site. The dispute—reportedly over the issuance of bicycle parking tokens—quickly escalated into violence. Vandals broke into the premises, damaged antique furniture, smashed windows, and assaulted a staff member. Authorities in Sirajganj have launched a probe and are in the process of identifying the culprits.

Banerjee urges strong diplomatic response

Calling the incident “heinous and mindless,” Banerjee urged Prime Minister Modi to take immediate and robust diplomatic steps.
“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 this heinous act,” she wrote, adding, “Although untold damage has already been done, a strong international protest would at least deter future attacks on monuments that have stood as symbols of cultural resilience.”

Mamata Banerjee emphasised that Tagore’s legacy is not confined to India or Bengal, but resonates globally. She called for international condemnation of the act, asserting that the cultural heritage of the subcontinent must be protected beyond political boundaries.“What has been vandalised is not a mere house, but a beacon of creative genius that has enriched the cultural consciousness of millions,” she said.

As the investigation continues in Bangladesh, cultural organisations, historians and academic institutions across India have voiced their alarm. There is growing consensus that bilateral cooperation must be strengthened to protect shared cultural legacies from such egregious violations.
This incident has reignited conversations around the preservation of historical sites associated with Tagore and other luminaries whose influence transcends borders.