TDS Desk:

India has strongly condemned the vandalism of Rabindra Kachhari Bari in Sirajganj, calling it “part of a broader pattern of attempts by extremists” to wipe out Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

Speaking at a weekly press conference on Thursday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the Jun 10 attack as “a disgrace to the memory of the Nobel laureate and the inclusive philosophy and teachings he espoused in Bangladesh”.

He said the incident reflects “systematic efforts by extremists to erase symbols of tolerance and eviscerate the syncretic culture and cultural legacy of Bangladesh”.

A Kachhari Bari served as the office and trade house for Zamindars, or feudal landlords.

On Jun 8, a visitor went to the Kachari Bari with his family. There, he got into an altercation with an employee at the entrance over the motorcycle parking fee.

Later, the visitor was allegedly confined in an office room and physically assaulted.

Locals were agitated over the incident and protested by forming a human chain on Jun 10.

Afterwards, a group of agitated people attacked and vandalised the auditorium of the Kachhari Bari.

They also beat a director of the institution.

When informed, police went to the scene and took control of the situation. An army team and Shahjadpur Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mushfiqur Rahman visited the scene.

Following the attack, police filed a case naming 10 people and including 50 to 60 unidentified persons as accused in the vandalism and assault.

Jaiswal urged the interim government to rein in the “extremists” and take firm measures to prevent the “recurrence” of such incidents, which, he said, are “regrettably becoming increasingly frequent”

YUNUS’S REMARKS ON HASINA, INDIA

Jaiswal was also asked about remarks made by Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus during a conversation at Chatham House in London.

In that discussion, a British-Bangladeshi businessman alleged that while Sheikh Hasina faces trial in Bangladesh, India was sheltering her.

He asked whether Yunus could apply pressure on India through the US, the UK or other countries.

In response, Yunus said: “When I had a chance to talk to Prime Minister Modi, I simply said ‘You want to host her, I cannot force you to abandon that policy. But please help us by making sure she doesn’t speak to the Bangladeshi people the way she is doing’.”

“She [Hasina] announces, on such-and-such day, at such-and-such hour, that she will speak and the whole of Bangladesh gets very angry.”

“Modi’s answer–I quote–he said ‘It’s social media. We cannot control it’,” he added.

When asked about this, Jaiswal said: “Our approach to engagement with Bangladesh—our relationship with Bangladesh—is well known. I have said this from this podium several times.

“We seek a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, one that is anchored in the aspirations of the peoples of both countries,” he added.

ON REPORTS ABOUT JOY CELEBRATING EID IN DELHI

Jaiswal was also asked about media reports that Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy had celebrated Eid-ul-Azha in Delhi.

In response, he said: “Specifically, I do not have any information to share with you or to confirm.”