Case filed over attack on Chhayanaut

A case has been initiated over the attack on the headquarters of preeminent cultural organisation Chhayanaut in Dhaka following a night of widespread violence sparked by the death of political activist Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

Dhanmondi Police Station chief (OC) Saiful Islam said the case was lodged shortly after midnight on Friday, a day after the attack on the organisation’s seven-storey building.

“The case brings charges of assault, vandalism and looting,” he said.

The complaint was filed by senior Chhayanaut official Dulal Ghosh against 300-350 unidentified people.

The attack on Chhayanaut took place in the early hours of Dec 19 after news of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Hadi's death triggered a wave of violence across Dhaka and other parts of the country. Hadi, who had announced plans to run for the Dhaka-8 parliamentary constituency as an independent, had been shot at close range in the capital's Bijoynagar area on Dec 12, and later died while undergoing treatment in Singapore.

Witnesses said a group of assailants forced their way into the Chhayanaut building, setting fires, smashing musical instruments, ransacking classrooms and offices, and looting equipment. Chhayanaut later suspended all activities, including classes at its music school, saying the damage was extensive.

The offices of national dailies Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were also attacked that night.

Police say they are now reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible.

However, Tejgaon Police Station OC Kayshainu Marma said that as of Sunday morning, no formal complaints had been filed over the attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.

“We have been in touch with them. They have suffered significant losses and told us they would submit complaints after assessing the extent of the damage.”