Chhayanaut has announced that it will resume its regular music and dance classes within two weeks, signalling a swift return to normalcy after a violent attack on its Dhanmondi premises.
The assault took place in the early hours of Friday, December 19, when a group of attackers forced their way into the building, damaging musical instruments and ransacking classrooms. The incident occurred amid wider unrest in the capital that also affected several media offices.
Despite the extent of the damage, the country’s leading cultural institution has prioritised continuity over disruption. Chhayanaut president Sarwar Ali said the focus is firmly on reopening classrooms for the organisation’s nearly 4,000 students. While repairs to rooms and the replacement of instruments are under way, he confirmed that classes are expected to restart within 14 days.
Ali, a freedom fighter and long-time cultural organiser, ruled out the possibility of a prolonged closure. He said Chhayanaut has weathered similar challenges in the past and remains committed to its educational mission.
Although Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki visited the site and offered government assistance, Chhayanaut indicated it intends to recover largely through its own resources. The organisation has long operated as a self-sustaining institution and plans to manage the losses independently.
The resolve was visible later on Friday when students and supporters gathered outside the damaged building to sing Rabindranath Tagore songs, turning the site of destruction into a space of collective expression. The gathering reflected Chhayanaut’s longstanding role as a symbol of secular Bengali culture and its determination to continue teaching and performing despite intimidation.
