Bangladesh has recently been shaken by a wave of violent incidents, ranging from targeted assassinations to attacks on media outlets and cultural institutions, culminating in the brutal killing of a young Hindu man in Mymensingh. These events have raised serious questions about the effectiveness and timeliness of the country’s law enforcement response. Critics, including political observers and victims’ representatives, argue that authorities have often been reactive rather than preventative, arriving only after violence had escalated.
The unrest escalated late on Thursday, 17 December, following the news of Sharif Osman Hadi’s assassination in Singapore. Political supporters gathered at Shahbagh in Dhaka, and by 11:30 pm, several groups had moved to Karwan Bazar, where they attacked the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. The assaults resulted in extensive property damage, looting, and fires.
Subsequent incidents targeted cultural and residential sites:
Dhanmondi 32: Private residences and cultural institutions were vandalised.
Chhayanaut Building: Looting of cultural equipment and property damage.
Udayan Office, Topkhana Road: Assaults and property destruction occurred the following evening.
Law enforcement reports indicate over 300 unnamed individuals have been implicated in the Chhayanaut attacks. Dr. Sarwar Ali, president of Chhayanaut, condemned the police for ignoring prior warnings and social media threats, emphasising that the academy is one of the subcontinent’s largest music institutions. He warned that the damage could tarnish Bangladesh’s international cultural reputation.
International observers have also voiced concern. Michael Miller, the European Union ambassador, called the attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star assaults on press freedom and democratic expression. Political analyst Dr. Kamal Hossain described the perpetrators as “anti-democratic forces.”
Authorities report some progress in addressing the attacks:
| Incident | Arrests Made | Suspects Identified | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prothom Alo, Daily Star | 2 | 30 | Investigations ongoing, video evidence utilised |
| Chhayanaut | 3 | 300+ | Cases filed, cultural equipment recovered |
| Udayan Office | N/A | N/A | Assessment and preventive measures ongoing |
| Mymensingh Murder (Dipu) | 12 | N/A | Alleged religious motive, no direct proof established |
The Mymensingh incident involved Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment factory officer, who was reportedly beaten and set on fire after being tied to a tree over alleged religious provocation. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) stated that no concrete evidence supported a religious motive.
Police officials defended their approach, stressing measured intervention rather than excessive force such as crossfire or baton charges. Election Commissioner (Ret.) Brig. Gen. (Rtd.) Abul Fazal Sunullah pledged swift joint operations to restore law and order, warning that any individual attempting violent or extremist acts would face decisive action