Between 18 and 19 December 2025, two of Bangladesh’s most venerable cultural organisations, Chhayanaut and Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, suffered arson attacks in Dhaka, shocking the nation and highlighting the deepening tensions between Islamic conservatism and Bengali cultural identity. The assaults occurred amid rising concerns that Islamist groups are seeking to suppress secular and cultural institutions. Prior to the attacks, a prominent leader of the student wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party, had called for certain organisations, including Chhayanaut and Udichi, to be “crushed” to achieve what he described as “true independence”.
Despite the destruction, both organisations have shown remarkable resilience. Udichi’s representatives and supporters staged musical performances outside their vandalised offices on 20 December, demonstrating defiance and rallying public support for the preservation of Bengali culture. The attacks coincided with a period of political volatility following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a student-led revolt in August 2024, and ahead of the first national elections since that upheaval, scheduled for February 2026.
Chhayanaut and Udichi, founded in the 1960s, played pivotal roles during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in promoting Bengali music and identity. Their work has historically attracted hostility from radical groups opposed to secular and Bengali cultural traditions. Dr Sarwar Ali, president of Chhayanaut, remarked that “forces opposing Bengali identity increasingly perceive our music as incompatible with religion,” reflecting ongoing cultural tensions.
Previous attacks on these institutions illustrate a persistent pattern of targeted violence:
| Organisation | Year | Type of Attack | Casualties / Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chhayanaut | 2001 | Bombing, Bengali New Year celebrations | 10 killed, dozens injured |
| Udichi | 1999 | Bombing, Jessore event | 10 killed |
| Udichi | 2005 | Attack outside office, Netrokona | 8 killed |
The recent assaults were accompanied by attacks on major media houses and a lynching of a Hindu minority member, fuelling fears of rising radicalisation. Mr Amit Ranjan Dey, Udichi’s general secretary, stressed that these attacks represent an ongoing attempt to undermine Bengali language and culture, replacing it with a more radical Islamic identity. Financial losses have been severe, with Chhayanaut estimating damages at approximately 24 million taka (S$252,000), including destroyed instruments, books, and furniture.
Despite these threats, the cultural community has refused to be silenced. Public demonstrations, musical performances, and nationwide protests reflect a defiant commitment to preserving Bangladesh’s secular and artistic heritage. Mr Dey commented, “With our backs to the wall, we have no choice but to move forward.”
These events underscore the continuing struggle in Bangladesh to balance religious conservatism with the protection of secular cultural identity, particularly as the nation approaches a politically sensitive election period.