Chaos at Dhanmondi: Iconic Chhayanaut Building Attacked

In a shocking turn of events in the capital, the historic Chhayanaut building in Dhanmondi, a symbol of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, was subjected to a violent attack and arson. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, around 1:45 am, leaving the cultural community and residents in disbelief.

According to reports, the unrest followed the announcement of the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, the convenor of the Inquilab Munch, on Thursday night, 18 December. Protesters, initially gathered in Shahbagh, divided into groups, with one contingent moving towards Kawran Bazar while another proceeded to Dhanmondi.

At Dhanmondi, the group forcibly entered the Chhayanaut premises, vandalising furniture and other property. Items from inside the building were dragged outside and set ablaze, creating a scene of utter chaos. Witnesses reported the roar of flames and shattered glass, describing the incident as both shocking and deeply disheartening.

Security forces, including the army and police, arrived promptly on the scene, dispersing the attackers and restoring partial order. Despite this swift response, the area remained tense throughout the night, with additional law enforcement deployed to prevent further disturbances.

Chhayanaut, renowned for preserving and promoting Bangladeshi arts, music, and culture, has long stood as a beacon of cultural pride. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from artists, political leaders, and citizens alike, highlighting concerns over safety and the increasing politicisation of public spaces.

Authorities are investigating the incident, examining motives and identifying those responsible for the attack. Meanwhile, cultural organisations and civil society groups have called for calm, urging the public to safeguard the city’s heritage and prevent further escalation.

The Dhanmondi arson and vandalism serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of public safety during periods of political unrest, and the urgent need for measured responses to societal tensions.