Dhanmondi’s Chhayanaut Vandalised in Night of Violence

One of Bangladesh’s most revered cultural institutions, Chhayanaut, was vandalised and set ablaze during a night of violence in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, raising alarm over the safety of cultural heritage sites amid escalating civil unrest.

The incident occurred shortly before 2:00 am on Thursday night, when a group of agitated protesters allegedly advanced towards the Chhayanaut premises following the sudden announcement of the death of Sharif Osman Hadi. Eyewitnesses reported that the group, emerging from the Shahbagh area, marched through surrounding streets chanting slogans and displaying increasingly aggressive behaviour.

Upon reaching the historic Chhayanaut building, the attackers are said to have forced their way inside, vandalising furniture, musical instruments, archival materials, and other valuables. Several items were dragged outside and set on fire, sending thick plumes of smoke into the night sky. Burning debris littered the surrounding streets, causing panic among nearby residents, many of whom rushed indoors fearing further violence.

Local inhabitants described the scene as chaotic and deeply distressing, particularly given Chhayanaut’s symbolic importance. For decades, the institution has stood as a bastion of Bengali classical music, dance, and cultural education, playing a central role in preserving and promoting Bangladesh’s artistic heritage.

A coordinated response by police and military personnel eventually brought the situation under control. Security forces dispersed the attackers and secured the area, preventing the violence from spreading further. While no immediate casualties were reported, preliminary assessments indicate significant structural and material damage to the building, the full extent of which is still being evaluated.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from artists, academics, cultural activists, and civil society groups across the country. Many have described the incident as an assault not merely on a building, but on the collective cultural memory of the nation. Calls have intensified for stronger security measures to protect cultural institutions during periods of political instability.

In response, authorities have increased law enforcement deployment across Dhanmondi and adjacent areas. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence to identify those responsible and determine whether the attack was premeditated or a spontaneous escalation of unrest.

Government officials and community leaders have appealed for calm and restraint, stressing that violence against cultural spaces undermines social cohesion and damages Bangladesh’s international reputation as a nation with a rich artistic tradition.

Key Facts at a Glance

The vandalisation of Chhayanaut serves as a stark reminder of how cultural heritage can become collateral damage during moments of political and social upheaval. As investigations continue, many hope the incident will prompt renewed commitment to safeguarding institutions that embody the artistic soul and historical continuity of Bangladesh.