Musician Shayan Chowdhury Arnob has spoken out following the vandalism of Chhayanaut, calling on citizens to engage more actively in civic life as a way of protecting Bangladesh’s cultural institutions.
The attack on Chhayanaut, a cornerstone of the country’s music and Bengali cultural practice, took place late on Thursday, December 18, during a period of wider unrest linked to the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha. Observers have suggested the attackers were opportunistic groups taking advantage of the breakdown in order rather than acting with any clear ideological affiliation.
Images shared on social media by Arnob and others showed widespread damage inside the Dhanmondi premises, including destroyed musical instruments and burned archival materials. The loss has deeply unsettled artists, given Chhayanaut’s central role in nurturing generations of musicians.
Arnob, whose own musical journey began at the institution, described the attack as a warning sign for the cultural community. In a public statement, he urged people not to remain silent spectators, arguing that indifference allows such attacks to continue.
Emphasising the link between culture and civic responsibility, the singer said meaningful participation in democratic processes, including voting, is essential to ensuring the safety and freedom of artists. His remarks have sparked renewed discussion within cultural circles about how creative spaces can be protected during times of political uncertainty.
The incident has reinforced broader concerns over the vulnerability of secular cultural institutions and the need for stronger public and civic support to safeguard them.
