Chhayanaut has vowed to continue its cultural mission despite extensive damage caused by an overnight attack on its Dhanmondi complex, declaring that vandalism will not silence one of the country’s most influential cultural institutions.
In a statement released on Saturday, the organisation confirmed that unidentified individuals entered its six-storey building in the early hours of December 19 and carried out widespread vandalism. Musical instruments, classrooms and offices were damaged, property was looted and parts of the building were set on fire before law enforcement agencies brought the situation under control.
Police, army personnel and members of the Rapid Action Battalion responded to the incident, while security at the premises has since been reinforced with round-the-clock patrols. A case has been filed at Dhanmondi Police Station, and Chhayanaut has called for a thorough investigation and swift accountability.
Cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki visited the site on Friday and condemned the attack, assuring organisers of government support in ensuring security and offering compensation for structural damage.
Placing the incident within a wider pattern of unrest, Chhayanaut noted that attacks on media outlets including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star occurred the same night, followed by an arson attack on Udichi Shilpi Goshthi a day later.
The organisation rejected claims linking the violence to the death of Osman Hadi, stating that opportunistic anti-cultural groups had exploited the volatile situation.
Founded more than six decades ago, Chhayanaut reiterated its non-political stance and its long-standing role in promoting Bengali music and cultural education. The institution also runs a secondary-level school that integrates cultural practice into formal learning.
Despite the scale of the damage, Chhayanaut said it is working towards resuming regular activities as soon as possible. While supporters at home and abroad have offered financial help, the organisation emphasised its tradition of self-reliance and said it would depend primarily on the collective efforts of its teachers, students and alumni to recover.
The statement was jointly signed by Chhayanaut president Sarwar Ali and general secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to cultural continuity at a time of heightened uncertainty.
