Bangladesh unrest: Musician Rahul Ananda's house set on fire, sparks outrage as 3k instruments burnt to ashes
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Aug 7, 2024, 8:15 AM ISTThe residence of renowned Hindu musician Rahul Ananda was looted and set ablaze by an enraged mob following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government.
The residence of renowned Hindu musician Rahul Ananda was looted and set ablaze by an enraged mob following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in Dhaka's Dhanmondi 32 area, leaving the artist's home in ruins and highlighting the escalating violence against minorities in the country.
A horrifying incident occurred in Dhaka's Dhanmondi, where an Islamist mob attacked the 140-year-old house of eminent Bangladeshi singer Rahul Ananda, who belongs to the Hindu minority community. Over 3,000 musical instruments were burned to ashes, house furniture was looted, and… pic.twitter.com/gTlb1Pt5LF
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According to reports, the mob targeted Ananda's house as part of a broader wave of attacks against minorities that erupted after the government's fall. The musician, known for his contributions as a lyricist and singer, runs the popular folk band Joler Gaan. He, along with his wife and son, managed to escape unharmed, though the attack left a trail of destruction.
Eyewitnesses and close family sources described the harrowing scene as the mob broke into the residence, looted valuables, and set the property on fire. Speaking with The Daily Star, a Bangladeshi English-language daily newspaper, a family source recounted the sequence of events. "They took everything from furniture and mirrors to valuables. After that, they torched the whole house along with Rahul da's musical instruments," the source revealed.
Among the items lost were Ananda's extensive collection of over 3,000 handmade musical instruments, a significant loss for the artist and the cultural community.
The attack on Ananda's home is part of a larger pattern of violence that has swept through Bangladesh in recent days. Following Sheikh Hasina's ousting from power, mass protests erupted over a controversial job quota in government services, sparking chaos and unrest. According to news agency AFP, numerous houses, businesses, and religious sites have been torched and vandalized by violent protesters, with minority communities bearing the brunt of the attacks.
The situation has drawn international concern, with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stating on Tuesday that New Delhi is closely monitoring the status of minorities in Bangladesh. The Indian government expressed deep concern over the safety and security of the Hindu community and other minorities in the wake of these incidents.
The attack on Hindu musician Rahul Ananda's home has ignited widespread outrage both domestically and internationally. Social media platforms have been flooded with expressions of solidarity for Ananda and other victims, with many calling for immediate government action to protect minority communities and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Here's a look at some of the reactions over the incident on X:
Jihadis in Bangladesh have attacked Rahul Ananda's house in Dhaka.
House burned, vehicles burned, 3000 musical instruments burned, they looted whatever they could.
Rahul & his family are hiding at a safe place for now.
No Hindu is safe in Bangladesh now. pic.twitter.com/tFC2f0rz9K
Horrific Attack on Eminent Hindu Singer
In a shocking incident, a mob attacked the 140-year-old home of renowned Bangladeshi singer Rahul Ananda in Dhaka's Dhanmondi. Ananda, a member of the Hindu minority community, narrowly escaped with his family as the mob ransacked and set… pic.twitter.com/WmvWbHxP9u
Another Horrific incident from Bangladesh . Terrorists of Jamaat-e-Islami has attacked Eminent Bangladeshi Singer Rahul Ananda’s 140 year old House in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi. Rahul is from the Hindu Minority community. Over 3000 Musical Instruments burnt to ashes, house furniture… pic.twitter.com/QN9FyGdvAI
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras)Highly condemnable incidence. I don’t know how burning of a house would have helped protestors in achieving what they intend. It has only bought wide spread condemnation. https://t.co/iXeN97AC3C
— Anuj Kumar (@Baballahabad)Highly condemnable incidence. I don’t know how burning of a house would have helped protestors in achieving what they intend. It has only bought wide spread condemnation. https://t.co/iXeN97AC3C
— Anuj Kumar (@Baballahabad)It is with great anger, disappointment and sadness that this is my new Bangladesh!.
We Bangladeshi Hindus are not safe.Please help us😥😥 https://t.co/cUwlEwzjJH
Such a low level they are going to now !! https://t.co/ePGqGwXx6g
— Fafda Jalebi (@FafdaJalebii)So much for "temple guarding photo op" https://t.co/WjPy952rUk
— Superdelicuous (@superdelicuous)“3000 musical instruments burnt to ashes”
Not surprising that the Bangladeshi Islamists are no different than the Taliban - or Islamists the world over really - in their hatred for music. Heartbreaking all the same. https://t.co/3ytb4gg0jb
Bangladesh is going to be the worst Country in the region.
These illiterates cannot be called humans.
In the name of freedom they got an opportunity to attack minorities for no reason. Sick uncivilized people. https://t.co/hCUNXjbd4Z
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