Heartbreaking Destruction: B’deshi Rioters Vandalize Revered Bust of U Tirot Sing in Dhaka
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 6: In a distressing turn of events, rioters in Bangladesh attacked and set fire to the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in Dhaka, destroying a recently installed memorial dedicated to U Tirot Sing, a revered freedom fighter from the Khasi Hills. This memorial was unveiled on February 16 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
Reports indicate that on Monday, the rioters not only damaged the IGCC but also targeted the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi, a museum dedicated to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the assassinated former President and father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Imagery and videos of the destruction have widely circulated on social media, evoking a significant response. The Meghalaya government intends to lodge a formal protest with the Bangladesh government once the situation stabilizes. Arts and Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh emphasized that despite this setback, the state government plans to reinstall the bust of U Tirot Sing, reinforcing that he is not just a hero of Meghalaya but an international figure. He expressed concern about the rising influence of anti-India forces in Bangladesh and underscored Meghalaya’s history of accommodating Bangladeshi students.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma condemned the act vehemently, urging the Bangladesh authorities to take measures to prevent recurrence. "I strongly condemn the vandalisation of the bust of U Tirot Sing Syiem, the braveheart of Khasi Hills and a freedom fighter from Meghalaya, at the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Urge local authorities to take corrective measures to avoid further escalation," Sangma stated on X.
The state BJP also condemned the attack, calling it an insult to U Tirot Sing’s legacy and a hurtful act against all communities of Meghalaya. BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang described the incident as shocking and unacceptable, urging the central government to engage with Bangladesh to protect such memorials and ensure peace.
The Meghalaya government remains committed to reinstalling the memorial, hopeful for a resolution that honors the memory of their esteemed freedom fighter and restores calm.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/08/07/bdeshi-rioters-destroy-bust-of-u-tirot-sing-in-dhaka/
Category : MEGHALAYA
Tags:
