Dhaka: Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki today visited the Chhayanaut Bhaban and announced that individuals involved in the recent attack and vandalism at the building are being identified through CCTV footage analysis to ensure legal action is taken.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Adviser made these remarks during his visit to the Bhaban located in the city's Dhanmondi area. Farooki inspected the damaged areas and held discussions with Chhayanaut organiser Partha Tanvir Naved and several other officials. The Chief Adviser's Press Wing shared this information in the evening.
Farooki noted the significant damages caused by the attack, stating, "I have informed the Chhayanaut authorities that the government will provide all necessary support, including financial assistance, to ensure that the institution can be reopened as soon as possible after assessing the damage and completing all renovation activities."
The Adviser mentioned that Chhayanaut's management committee will discuss the matter internally and update him accordingly. He emphasized the heightened security measures at the Bhaban, with the deployment of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police to maintain strict security. Farooki has also discussed these security concerns with other members of the Council of Advisers.
In response to a journalist's inquiry, Farooki described the incident as a conspiracy aimed at disrupting the elections. He expressed concern over the timing of the attack, which coincided with a national day of mourning for Shaheed Osman Hadi. Farooki criticized the attackers for attempting to destabilize Bangladesh's democratic transition by targeting cultural institutions like Chhayanaut.
Farooki further condemned the actions as not only criminal but also contrary to the spirit of the July Uprising, underscoring the gravity of attacking a cultural institution during a moment of national mourning.