Dhaka, Dec 22 (V7N) - Udichi Shilpi Goshthi has announced that it will renovate its damaged central office through public donations, rejecting any form of government or corporate assistance. The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday, signed by acting President of the Udichi Central Committee Mahmud Selim and General Secretary Amit Ranjan Dey.

The statement said that since its establishment on October 29, 1968, Udichi has never relied on government grants. The organization described ordinary people as its core strength, noting that most of its activities have long been funded through public contributions. Thousands of artists and activists, both at home and abroad, continue to support Udichi by donating portions of their personal earnings, and they will play the leading role in restoring the fire-damaged headquarters.

Udichi also warned the public not to be deceived by anyone seeking financial assistance in the organization’s name, stating that it would not take responsibility for such fraud.

According to Udichi leaders, the organization began receiving direct threats following attacks, vandalism and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and Chhayanaut on Thursday night, in the aftermath of the killing of Inqilab Mancha leader Osman Hadi. They alleged that inflammatory posts were spread on social media and that, despite the risk of further violence, the interim government and law enforcement agencies failed to provide adequate security.

As a result, Udichi’s central office was set on fire on Friday evening without obstruction. The blaze caused extensive damage, destroying important documents, musical instruments and furniture accumulated over the organization’s 57-year history. Udichi has demanded a proper investigation into the attack and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Meanwhile, cultural organization Chhayanaut issued a separate statement reaffirming its commitment to continue cultural activities despite the recent violence. Chhayanaut said it is not affiliated with politics and will uphold its mission regardless of adversity.

On the night of December 18, attackers vandalized, looted and set fire to the six-storey Chhayanaut cultural building, damaging nearly every room. Police, the army and the Rapid Action Battalion later arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Chhayanaut alleged that an anti-Bengali culture group exploited the situation surrounding Osman Hadi’s death to carry out the attack.

Renowned musician Siraj Ali Khan, a great-grandson of Ustad Alauddin Khan and a representative of the Maihar gharana, also expressed deep concern over the situation. In a Facebook post on Sunday, he said he would not return to Bangladesh until artists, music and cultural institutions are safe. Currently based in India, Siraj Ali Khan said he had never before feared for his life and described the December 18 incident as an attack not only on buildings but on culture and shared heritage.

He clarified that his remarks were not directed against Bangladesh or its culturally conscious people, but against extremist mindsets that target institutions of culture and knowledge. He expressed hope that dialogue, wisdom and respect for culture would ultimately prevail.

END/AJ/SMA/