The Chhayanaut Bhaban, a historic cultural landmark in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area, became the latest target of violence during the early hours of Friday, December 19. The attack occurred amid a wave of nationwide unrest sparked by the death of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.
Around 1:30 AM, a group of protesters stormed the premises, carrying out significant vandalism inside the building. Outside, the group gathered scraps and debris on the road and set them on fire, briefly disrupting the area.
Members of the Bangladesh Army arrived at the scene shortly after the attack began, successfully restraining the protesters and preventing further damage to the cultural center.
Firefighters were immediately deployed to douse the flames on the road. According to Shah Mostafa Tariquzzaman, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dhanmondi Zone), the fire was extinguished and police have since cordoned off the area.
Following the incident, law enforcement remains on high alert across Dhanmondi and Karwan Bazar to prevent further targeted attacks on institutions and media houses.
