Unable to understand why the cultural centre was targeted: Chhayanaut

Chhayanaut has strongly condemned the attack and vandalism carried out at its cultural centre in Dhaka following the tragic death of Sharif Osman Hadi.

In a statement issued today, the organisation also urged the government to ensure a proper investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Chhayanaut said that late Thursday night, a group of people forcibly entered the Chhayanaut Sanskriti Bhaban, carried out widespread vandalism and looting, and attempted to set parts of the building on fire.

The statement was signed by Chhayanaut President Sarwar Ali and General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa.

According to the statement, the attackers damaged almost all rooms of the six-storey building, including auditoriums and offices, and destroyed all CCTV cameras.

Musical instruments, computers and furniture were vandalised, while some instruments and furniture, along with servers, were set on fire.

At least seven laptops, several mobile phones and a number of hard drives were looted. Electrical connections and equipment were also severely damaged, the statement added.

While expressing deep sorrow over the brutal killing of Osman Hadi, Chhayanaut said it is unable to understand why the cultural centre was targeted in connection with the incident. It added that anti-cultural groups may have taken advantage of the situation.

Meanwhile, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki visited the Chhayanaut building in Dhanmondi this afternoon.

During the visit, he inspected the damaged sections of the building and held discussions with Chhayanaut organiser Partha Tanvir Naved and several officials.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Farooki said work is underway to identify everyone involved by reviewing CCTV footage and to bring them under the law.

"I have informed the Chhayanaut authorities that the government will provide all kinds of support, including financial assistance, so that after assessing the damage and completing necessary repairs, the institution can resume its activities as soon as possible," he said.

The adviser added that the government has taken the highest level of security measures for the building. "BGB and police have been deployed outside Chhayanaut. I have also discussed the issue with other members of the advisory council."

The cultural adviser said, "This is clearly a conspiracy to derail the election. Today, the focus should have been on martyr Osman Hadi. Today is a day of mourning. Who diverted the context? Who attacked Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and Chhayanaut? Those responsible do not want a democratic transition in Bangladesh."

Farooki further said that, taking advantage of a moment of national mourning, a group attacked the cultural organisation Chhayanaut to destabilise the country.

"An attack on a cultural organisation following the death of Hadi is not only a criminal offence, but also goes against the spirit of the July mass uprising," he added.