The residence of renowned musician Rahul Ananda, known for his role in the band Joler Gaan, was looted and set ablaze on Monday afternoon.
The once-vibrant cultural hub, located on Dhanmondi 32, was ravaged by a group of attackers who stole valuable items and destroyed the home, including Ananda’s extensive collection of over 3,000 handmade musical instruments.
According to sources close to the family, Ananda, his wife Shukla, and their son Tota managed to escape the attack unharmed and are currently in hiding. Despite their safety, the destruction of their home and artistic possessions has left them deeply shaken.
Joler Gaan's Saiful Islam Jarnal reported that the looters took everything from furniture and musical equipment to personal belongings, eventually setting the house on fire. The estimated financial loss is around Tk 10 lakh, but the emotional impact of losing years of creative work and cherished instruments is incalculable.
The attack on Ananda’s home, adjacent to the historic residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has shocked the community. Friends and fans have expressed their support, highlighting that the assault was not related to Ananda’s personal beliefs but rather a part of the broader wave of vandalism following the recent political upheaval.
Despite the tragedy, Ananda's band, Joler Gaan, has responded with a message of resilience. They posted a tribute on their official page, reflecting on the home’s role as a sanctuary for creativity and cultural exchange, now tragically reduced to ruins. The post called for unity and hope, urging people to preserve their dreams and foster understanding.
The destruction of the house, once visited by international dignitaries such as French President Emmanuel Macron, marks a sombre chapter in the aftermath of recent political changes, but the spirit of Ananda and his community remains steadfast.
