What is Chhayanaut—and why Islamists set it on fire in Dhaka amid protests over Hadi's death?

The attack occurred around 2 am, witnesses told bdnews24.

A group of assailants allegedly forced their way into the building, damaged property, and set fire to items both inside and outside the premises.

The attackers reportedly wore helmets and face coverings to conceal their identities.

During the assault, protesters claimed that Chhayanaut promoted “Indian cultural practices” and asserted that the organisation had “no place in Bangladesh”.

What is Chhayanaut?

Founded in 1961, Chhayanaut is widely recognised for its role in promoting Bengali culture.

The organisation is particularly known for organising the annual Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebrations at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka.

Chhayanaut, a prominent and historic cultural organization in Bangladesh founded in 1961, which promotes Bengali culture, heritage, music, dance, and traditional instruments, is under attack by extremist groups backed by @ChiefAdviserGoB . The attackers’ faces are clearly… pic.twitter.com/SExw812TNx

— Arifa Rahman Ruma (@ArifaRahmanRuma) December 18, 2025

Dhanmondi Police Station Duty Officer Mithun Singha told bdnews24 that the attack on Chhayanaut followed an arson incident at Dhanmondi No. 32, the former residence of Bangladesh’s founding leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Police believe the same group was responsible for both attacks.

Violent protests return to Bangladesh

Violence erupted across several Bangladeshi cities after Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, reigniting unrest that has gripped the country in recent months.

Hadi rose to prominence during the July–August 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Known for his strong anti-India rhetoric, he served as spokesperson for the political platform Inqilab Moncho.

He died late Thursday night, six days after being shot in the head by unidentified masked attackers. The shooting occurred while he was launching his election campaign in Dhaka ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Following confirmation of his death, Hadi’s supporters took to the streets of Dhaka and other cities, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.

In the capital, protesters set fire to multiple buildings, including offices of leading newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Several journalists and staff members were inside The Daily Star building at the time of the attack. Six firefighting units brought the blaze under control by 1:40 am, the newspaper reported.

In Dhaka’s Kawran Bazar area, demonstrators surrounded the Prothom Alo office and staged protests. Police failed to disperse the crowd, leading to escalating tensions. According to Dhaka Tribune, protesters armed with sticks and rods began vandalising the premises around 11:45 pm, shattering most of the building’s windows.