DU teachers condemn defacement of Rabindranath Tagore graffiti
They called on the relevant authorities to take exemplary action against those responsible in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
A group of Dhaka University (DU) teachers have condemned the defacement of a graffiti portrait of Rabindranath Tagore on a pavement wall in front of Shilpakala Academy in the capital's Segunbagicha.
In a press release issued yesterday (11 October), the teachers described the incident as "disgraceful", saying it was not merely an insult to the poet but also an attack on Bengali literature, culture, free thought and secular values.
They called on the relevant authorities to take exemplary action against those responsible in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
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The teachers also urged progressive, culturally minded and free-thinking people across the country to unite to protect the nation's cultural heritage, intellectual traditions and human values.
"Rabindranath Tagore is an unparalleled giant of Bengali literature and culture and his works played an extraordinary role in shaping Bengali identity, fostering human values and spreading the message of universal humanity," the statement said.
It described Tagore as an invaluable figure in both Bengali and global literary and intellectual traditions, adding that his literature, philosophy and humanist ideas had inspired generations to embrace free thought, secularism and human dignity.
The teachers acknowledged that individuals could disagree with Tagore's literature, philosophy or ideas, saying that the right to express such views must be recognised in a democratic society that upholds freedom of thought.
However, differences of opinion should not be expressed through the defacement of cultural heritage or portraits of eminent figures, the statement said.
"Reasoned argument, discussion, criticism and intellectual debate are the civilised and acceptable means of expressing dissent," it added.
The teachers said no act could erase Tagore's literary greatness or cultural legacy, stressing that such incidents should instead be countered through creative pursuits and the promotion of secular cultural values.
The statement was signed by several DU teachers, including Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman (Karzon), Professor Dr Rahmat Ullah, Professor Dr Sadeka Halim, Professor Dr Sitesh Chandra Bachar, Professor Dr Mashiur Rahman and Professor Dr Abu Shara Shamsur Rouf.
