In a recent article, Dowel Biswas sheds light on a harrowing incident that has shocked many across the nation. She reports on the plight of Rahul Ananda, a prominent Bangladeshi singer and a notable figure from the Hindu minority community. His residence, a historical 140-year-old building located in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area, was subjected to a devastating attack by an Islamist mob. This attack resulted not only in the destruction of the building itself but also led to the loss of over 3,000 musical instruments and various household items which were either looted or reduced to ashes. Thankfully, Ananda's family managed to survive this ordeal.

Dowel Biswas provides a poignant narrative of the incident, setting it against the backdrop of significant political upheaval in Bangladesh. She explains, "This morning ushered in a new beginning with the downfall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the day before—who came to power for a fourth consecutive term only this January—will henceforth be the new reference point in our history of mass uprisings." The country, she notes, while beaming with the hope and happiness of victory and freedom, is simultaneously grappling with the dark aftermath of widespread vandalism and destruction of cultural heritage following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime.

Among the various losses cataloged, the destruction at the residence of Rahul Ananda, the frontman of the musical ensemble Joler Gaan, on the afternoon of Monday, July 5, stands out as particularly distressing. This event has deeply affected cultural activists and the general populace alike. Biswas quotes Saiful Islam Jarnal, a founding member of Joler Gaan, who reveals the personal toll on Ananda and his family: "Rahul Da and his family are shaken and have taken shelter in a secret place known to only a few. We could not contact him yet. It was not even his house; it was a rental he had been living in for decades," he stated.

Saiful Islam Jarnal, shared his firsthand account of the attack, "I came to know the incident happened around 4 pm. From what I have heard, a group of goons attacked the residence, and as Rahul Da, Shukla Di (Rahul's wife), Tota (his son), and other family members somehow got out," he said. The terror inflicted upon the family is palpable in his narration, highlighting the chaos and fear they must have experienced.

The brutality of the attack was further described by another close family source to The Daily Star. The assailants were not only content with breaking into the home but also destroyed it completely. "As soon as they broke the gate, they started ravaging the house, taking whatever they could find for themselves. 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 recounted. 

Jarnal, also deeply involved in the music scene, expressed his anguish over the loss of Rahul Ananda's personal collection of musical instruments, a testament to his lifelong passion and creativity. "Rahul Da owned a collection of over 3000 musical instruments, which he designed and made over the years. I can say that he might have suffered a loss of Tk 10 lakh over the household things, but how could you put a price on the instruments which he so lovingly built?" he asked. 

Adding to the complexity of the situation, another friend of Ananda, who preferred to remain anonymous, speculated on the possible reasons behind the attack. "We know that the people of the country love Rahul Da, and this attack was not because of his religion. Rahul Da's home was adjacent to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's home at Dhanmondi 32, and it fell under the radar of the goons. But how could we make sense of it even with that understanding?" 

Reflecting on the aftermath of the devastating attack on his home, Rahul Ananda and his family are grappling with their emotions. "Rahul Da and his family are not scared; they are just sad and devastated over what happened to their home, and they will make their statements when they are ready," noted a close family member, underscoring the profound impact of the event.

In a heartfelt response, Joler Gaan, Ananda's band, took to social media to express their sorrow and resilience. They posted a song on their official page accompanied by a poignant caption that narrated the significance of the now-destroyed home. The caption stated, "The house on Dhanmondi 32, once a sanctuary for Rahul Ananda and the Joler Gaan ensemble, was not just a residence but a creative hub where countless songs and instruments were crafted. Known for its open-door policy, the house welcomed all, where Rahul meticulously designed instruments that captured the unique sound of Bangladesh."

The post continued, detailing the loss: "However, this haven was tragically reduced to ashes, taking with it all of the band's musical instruments, archives, and the family's belongings. While the residents escaped safely, the loss extends beyond physical possessions, reflecting a deeper lament over the destruction of dreams and creative spirit. Despite the devastation, the message of resilience and the hope for a compassionate future remains, urging people to preserve dreams and not let anger overshadow love and understanding," it concluded, emphasizing the cultural and emotional toll of the tragedy.

Amidst this turmoil, it is poignant to recall that just a year ago, on September 11, 2023, Ananda's home was a site of international attention when it hosted a visit from Emmanuel Macron, the President of France. This unexpected visit had sparked widespread curiosity and media buzz. "The sudden wish of Macron to meet Rahul at his residence drew considerable intrigue, as nobody could understand the reason behind the meeting with a common inquiry: why would the president of France, during his short political, diplomatic visit, want to visit a singer and insist on visiting the musician's residence?" Journalists and the public alike pondered the unusual focus of such a high-profile visitor, highlighting the stature of Ananda not just as a musician but as a cultural ambassador.

In her detailed account for The Daily Star, Dowel Biswas reflects on her personal visit to the home of Rahul Ananda, a place known not just as a private residence but as a cultural hub that has hosted many from the artistic community. This home in Dhaka, while rooted in Bangladeshi culture, resonates with a broader South Asian appreciation for deep cultural connections and the universal language of music.

During her visit, Biswas observes Rahul Ananda's exhaustion—evident from a day filled with media interactions—yet he retains his warmth and vibrant character. Their conversation spans various topics, but Biswas is particularly drawn to the previous year’s visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. She notes Rahul Ananda’s perspective on such international interactions: "I feel that it's quite natural. As a representative of my culture, people, and country, my studio has been blessed by the presence of many foreign dignitaries and ambassadors in the past, and it was as natural as that," Rahul explains, underscoring his role as a cultural ambassador.

Rahul further muses on the connection with President Macron, saying, "I cannot say how or why President Emmanuel Macron decided to meet me. Although I feel as a musician himself, it was quite natural for him to connect with another," his words reflecting a shared artistic bond that might have prompted the visit.

In her poignant description, Dowel Biswas recounts the current state of what was once a vibrant and welcoming home. The 140-year-old one-story house, a cultural landmark in its own right, adorned daily with lilies, marigolds, and roses, now stands as a mere shadow of its former self. The structure, which once symbolized openness and creativity, is now reduced to fragments, a stark emblem of destruction.

Despite efforts to reach him for a direct comment, Rahul Ananda did not provide a personal statement. However, his response came through a powerful medium familiar to him and his followers—music. Under the banner of his band, Joler Gaan, Ananda released a song that serves not only as a reaction to the tragic events but also as a reaffirmation of his core values. The song, as noted by Biswas, continues to echo his long-standing calls for love, peace, and solidarity. The lyrics, "Jago Bahey, Konthey Sobai?" and the caption, "Shawpne Tumi Daag Dio Na…Sorolrekhar Swapne Karo Bank Diona! Bank Diona!" translate to an evocative plea: "Do not stain the dreams... do not bank on straightforward dreams! Do not bank!"

Through this artistic expression, Rahul Ananda communicates a message that transcends the immediate grief and loss. His words are a clarion call to the community and the world at large, urging a collective awakening to the values of unity and harmony, even in the face of adversity. This approach not only illustrates his resilience but also underscores the transformative power of art in healing and advocacy, themes that resonate deeply within the Indian and broader South Asian context, as captured by Biswas in her narrative.