Last Updated on December 19, 2025 4:21 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / DHAKA
Bangladesh today witnessed fresh unrest in the early hours as the premises of the renowned Bengali cultural organisation Chhayanaut and office of two newspapers were vandalised and partially set on fire, hours after news broke of the death of Inqilab Mancha convenor Sharif Osman Hadi. The incident took place around 1:30-2:00 am at Chhayanaut Sanskriti Bhawan in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area.
The interim government in a statement today urged all citizens of the country to resist all forms of mob violence committed by a few “fringe elements”.
“We strongly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, arson, and destruction of properties,” said the statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing this afternoon.
“This is a critical moment in our nation’s history when we are making a historic democratic transition. We cannot and must not allow it to be derailed by those few who thrive on chaos and reject peace,” it categorically read.
Noting that the upcoming elections and referendum are not merely political exercises, the statement noted that these are a solemn national commitment.
Witnesses said a group of unidentified individuals forcibly entered the building, smashed furniture and music equipment, and set fire to items inside the premises as well as on the road outside. The police said protesters vandalised the building and ignited fires using scraps. Fire service personnel later reached the scene and brought the flames under control. According to witnesses, several assailants wore helmets and face coverings to conceal their identities and were heard chanting religious slogans, including Naraye Takbir, during the attack. Members of the Bangladesh Army and police were later deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Founded in 1961, Chhayanaut is one of Bangladesh’s most prominent cultural institutions, widely known for promoting Bengali music, heritage and traditions. The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety of cultural and public institutions amid the ongoing unrest.