The Chhayanaut building, a prominent cultural institution located in Shankar, Dhanmondi, was attacked, extensively vandalized, and set on fire after midnight on Thursday amid ongoing protests in the capital following the death of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, convener of the Inqilab Manch. The incident occurred shortly after a series of attacks on media houses and other locations across Dhaka.
According to eyewitnesses and video footage, a group of protesters entered the seven-storey building after midnight and vandalized rooms on multiple floors. Furniture, musical instruments, artworks, documents, and electronic equipment were destroyed in classrooms, offices, rehearsal spaces, and the auditorium. Live broadcasts and circulating videos showed extensive damage up to at least the third floor, with lighting systems, fans, monitoring equipment, and clay sculptures broken or scattered.
After carrying out vandalism inside the building, the attackers set fire to the front of the premises. The fire was extinguished before the arrival of fire service personnel, preventing it from spreading further. Several of the attackers were seen wearing helmets and covering their faces. In videos circulating online, some individuals were heard making statements targeting the institution and its cultural practices.
Police said the attack on Chhayanaut occurred shortly after vandalism and arson at Dhanmondi Road No. 32. Mithun Singh, officer-in-charge of Dhanmondi Police Station, said police suspect the same group may have been involved in both incidents. Law enforcement and army personnel later arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
Following the attack, all activities at Chhayanaut, including classes at the Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyayatan (Music Academy) operating in the building, have been suspended until further notice, according to a statement posted on the organization’s Facebook page around 3:30 AM. No casualties were reported as of the latest update
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