The protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh have rapidly escalated into widespread anti-Hindu violence. Across the country, Hindu temples and homes are being ruthlessly targeted. In a shocking recent incident, a mob of Islamic extremists attacked the residence of renowned Bangladeshi singer Rahul Ananda, looting and setting his house on fire.
According to reports, Rahul Ananda, along with his wife and son, managed to leave their home with only a few clothes before the mob arrived. While the family is physically safe, the psychological trauma has left them devastated.
On social media, many have noted that Rahul Ananda has always maintained a secular stance, showing love and respect for the Muslims in his country. Yet, this violent act is what he received in return.
Singer Rahul Ananda’s 140 year old House in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi attacked by Islamists
Over 3000 Musical Instruments owned by Rahul burnt to ashe
Mob looted it’s furniture
The family somehow survived pic.twitter.com/zZxbHtS2ix— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) August 7, 2024
Rahul Ananda’s house, located at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka, was a 140-year-old heritage building. After looting the residence, the mob set it ablaze. The fire destroyed over 3,000 musical instruments, many of which were handcrafted by Ananda himself. This residence had long served as a vibrant cultural hub for musicians.
Rahul Ananda leads the folk band ‘Banjjo Joler Gaan.’ Saiful Zarnal, an old associate from the band, expressed his anguish to the media: “Our dear Rahul Da’s over 3,000 musical instruments, which he had lovingly and carefully designed and crafted over the years, have been destroyed. The estimated value of the burned instruments and other household items exceeds 1 million Taka.”
Following this incident, many people have taken to social media to express their sorrow, calling it a tremendous loss for Bangladesh. Many describe it as unbearable and wrong, emphasising that his home was not just a residence but a creative centre where the singer crafted musical instruments that captured the essence of Bangladesh’s cultural sound.
It is noteworthy that the house of Rahul Ananda, which the Islamic extremists proudly destroyed, had long been a symbol of national pride for Bangladesh. Last year, former French President Emmanuel Macron visited this home during his official trip to Bangladesh. During the visit, Anand gifted Macron an ‘Ektara,’ a one-stringed Bengali musical instrument, and showcased various instruments that he had created and played.
In the wake of the attack, Rahul Anand and his family have taken shelter at a secret location known to only a few close associates. Saiful Islam Jarnal, one of Joler Gaan’s founding members, told The Daily Star, “Rahul Da and his family are shaken. We have not been able to contact him yet. It was not even his house; it was a rental he had been living in for decades.”
Another close family source described the attack: “As soon as they broke the gate, they started ravaging the house, taking whatever they could find for themselves. They took everything from furniture and mirrors to valuables. After that, they torched the whole house along with Rahul Da’s musical instruments.”
According to a report by Hindustan, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) has commented on the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh, stating that many Hindu homes, shops, and temples have been targeted. The BHBCUC claims that around 200-300 Hindu homes and shops have been vandaliaed. Secretary-General Rana Dasgupta told Reuters that approximately 15-20 Hindu temples had been damaged, and around 40 people from the community were injured.
“Rahul Da and his family are shaken and take shelter to a secret place known to only a few. We could not contact him yet. It was not even his house, it was a rental he was living in for decades,” The Daily Star quoted Saiful Islam Jarnal, one of Joler Gaan’s founding members. as saying.
