On August 5, a devastating fire ravaged the home of Rahul Anand, a star of the band Joler Gaan, leaving it in ruins. The house, located in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32, was not just Rahul’s residence but also the creative hub for the band, where music was created and shared. The fire destroyed instruments, furniture, and studio equipment, with thieves looting everything from bedding to air conditioners. Rahul and his wife, Urmila Shukla, had poured their hearts into making the home a sanctuary for their musical dreams, including the Joler Gaan studio.
On September 10, 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Bangladesh and was hosted by Rahul Anand at his Dhanmondi studio. Macron spent a significant amount of time at the house, engaging in music, conversation, and even exchanging gifts. However, it is widely believed that the fire on August 5 was the result of extremist Islamic groups targeting Rahul’s home, angered by his hosting of Macron, who had been a controversial figure due to his remarks about Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
Despite the tragedy, Macron and the French embassy remained silent, failing to offer any support or comment on the devastating fire that struck Rahul’s home. Instead, Macron’s administration quickly backed Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, further stoking outrage among the Bangladeshi public. Many saw this as a slap in the face, as France appeared to ignore the crisis in Bangladesh, particularly the rise of religious extremism and attacks on minorities, while supporting Yunus’ government.
Tensions have escalated as U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard voiced concerns about the growing threat of terrorism and extremism in Bangladesh, specifically citing Islamic radicalization. In response, Dr. Yunus dismissed these concerns, which many view as an attempt to downplay the situation in the country. Meanwhile, France’s embassy in Bangladesh shared Yunus’ Facebook post defending the government, further angering citizens who felt that the French were turning a blind eye to the reality on the ground.
The situation in Bangladesh has worsened since Yunus’ government took power after August 5, with widespread violence, sexual assaults, and religious intolerance. Critics argue that the French government’s support for Yunus and his regime undermines international efforts to address extremism in Bangladesh. Many suspect that the French government, led by Macron, is aligning itself with the “deep state” interests controlling Bangladesh, which have led the country toward increasing instability.
Rahul Anand, once a prominent figure in the music scene, has gone silent following the attack. Rumors suggest that he may have left the country, traumatized by the events of August 5, especially concerned for his family’s safety. The lack of response from Macron and the French embassy has left many questioning the French government’s priorities and their disregard for the suffering of individuals like Rahul.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling Macron “ungrateful” and accusing him of turning a blind eye to the suffering of those who stood by him. The contrast between France’s support for Yunus and its failure to acknowledge the devastation at Rahul’s home has left many disillusioned. The French government’s silence has fueled growing discontent, with many urging the international community to reconsider its support for a regime that seems to be fueling extremism and undermining human rights in Bangladesh.