Dhaka, Dec 21 (V7N)- A case has been filed in connection with the attack, vandalism, looting and arson at Chhayanaut Bhaban, the country’s renowned cultural institution, located in Dhanmondi of the capital.

The case was lodged late Friday night (December 19) at Dhanmondi Model Police Station by Dulal Ghosh, chief manager of Chhayanaut.

Confirming the matter, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Muhammad Saiful Islam said that more than 300 unidentified individuals have been accused in the case. However, no specific names were mentioned in the complaint. No arrests have been made so far.

According to police and Chhayanaut authorities, a group of miscreants forcibly entered the six-storey cultural complex late Thursday night and carried out extensive vandalism. CCTV cameras were smashed, and musical instruments—including tabla, harmonium and violin—along with furniture and equipment were destroyed. Several rooms of the building were also set on fire.

The total extent of the damage is yet to be officially assessed.

In a statement signed by Chhayanaut President Sarwar Ali and General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa, the organization said that nearly all rooms of the building, including the auditorium and offices, were severely damaged. All CCTV cameras were destroyed during the attack.

The statement further said that at least seven laptops, several mobile phones and multiple hard disks were looted. Musical instruments, furniture, servers, electrical equipment and the building’s power supply system also suffered serious damage, with some items being set ablaze.

Following the incident, Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooqui visited Chhayanaut Bhaban. He said that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice after reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence.

The attack on Chhayanaut Bhaban occurred on the same night when offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo were also vandalized in parts of the capital. The incidents reportedly took place amid tensions following the fatal shooting of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.

Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved.

END/SMA/AJ