Four arrested after attempted defacement of Tagore mural in Dhaka

Dhaka police arrested four suspects following an attempt to vandalize a mural depicting Rabindranath Tagore outside the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, a major cultural institution in the capital. The incident occurred when the individuals allegedly tried to apply black ink to the wall-mounted portrait of the celebrated Bengali poet and artist.

The suspects have been booked under charges of sedition, reflecting the serious nature of the alleged offense. Tagore, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, holds significant cultural importance across South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh where he is revered as a national icon.

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, located in Dhaka's Segunbagicha area, is a prominent venue for arts and cultural activities. The attempted defacement marks another incident involving public monuments and cultural symbols in the region, raising concerns about security and protection of heritage sites.

Police have launched investigations to determine the motivation behind the alleged act and whether those involved were part of any organized group. The case underscores ongoing tensions regarding cultural and national symbols in Bangladesh.