The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has said that there is "no communal or political motive behind the attack" at the Rabindra Kachharibari in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, adding that the incident stemmed from a personal conflict, reports The Daily Star.
In an official statement issued today, the ministry detailed the sequence of events surrounding the altercation that took place at the site on June 8, 2025.
According to the ministry, the dispute began with a misunderstanding that led to a verbal and later physical altercation between an on-duty employee of the Kachharibari and a visitor named Shahnewaz.
Allegations were brought against custodian Habibur Rahman of the Department of Archaeology for allegedly assaulting and detaining the visitor.
While the matter was still under investigation, local residents organised a human chain on June 10 in support of Shahnewaz, demanding action against the accused officials, the statement said.
Following the demonstration, an agitated crowd reportedly entered the premises intending to assault staff members. Several employees were injured in the ensuing violence, the statement added.
In response, the district administration and the Department of Archaeology each formed an investigation committee.
Both are expected to submit reports within five days.
According to the ministry`s statement, the Department of Archaeology has filed a case, and police have arrested five individuals so far, with efforts underway to apprehend the rest.
Security at the Kachharibari has since been reinforced.
With support from the local administration and community, the site was reopened to visitors from this morning.
The ministry emphasised that no artifacts or relics associated with Rabindranath Tagore`s memory were harmed. "Nothing disrespectful or damaging to the honor of the poet has occurred," the statement read.
It also noted that the 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore was celebrated nationwide on the 25th day of Baishakh with due respect and grandeur, including at the Kachharibari in Shahjadpur, as well as at Shilaidaha in Kushtia and Patisar in Naogaon.
