Dhaka, Apr 16 (V7N) – The house of artist Manabendra Ghosh, known for creating motifs for the Pahela Baishakh 'Ananda Shobhajatra', was set on fire by miscreants on Tuesday night (April 15) in the Garpara Bazar area of Sadar Upazila, Manikganj. The incident has sparked outrage across cultural and artistic circles in the country.

On Wednesday (April 16), Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooqui reacted strongly to the incident in a post on Facebook. He confirmed that the police have begun efforts to apprehend those involved in the attack, following clear instructions from the Home Affairs Advisor to the Inspector General of Police.

In his post, Farooqui condemned those responsible and blamed an expelled faction of the Awami League, which he claimed had instigated the attack online over a false claim that the artist created a controversial “bee effigy”. “In their words, ‘for the crime of making an effigy of a bee’!” he wrote, expressing disbelief.

He stressed that those responsible will be brought to justice, declaring: “From the hills to the plains, Bangladesh has just concluded an unprecedented festival of friendship. A different obsession is in everyone's mind. And at this time, they attacked and reminded us that July is ongoing.”

Farooqui further stated that while the attackers might try to revive the tensions of July, the people of Bangladesh are united and marching forward with strength and solidarity.

Artist Manabendra Ghosh, in an earlier Facebook post, clarified that he had no involvement in any satirical motif, and had only worked on the tiger motif assigned to him. He said the fire was likely the result of misinformation spread online, wrongly associating him with a controversial image.

The Superintendent of Police in Manikganj, Yasmin Khatun, confirmed that an investigation is underway, and police have visited the site. Deputy Commissioner Manowar Hossain Molla also stated that the district administration will take initiative to rebuild Ghosh's house and ensure his family’s safety.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety of artists and the spreading of misinformation on social media, especially during times of national celebration.

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