Manikganj, Apr 17 (V7N) – Six individuals, including local leaders of the ruling party’s student wing, have been arrested in connection with the arson attack on the home of artist Manabendra Ghosh, a former student of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. The incident took place late Tuesday night (April 15) in Chandair village of Garpara Union, Manikganj.

The attack was allegedly triggered by suspicions that Ghosh created an artwork featuring a “fascist motif” during Pahela Baishakh celebrations.

Confirming the development on Thursday morning, Officer-in-Charge (OC) SM Aman Ullah of Manikganj Sadar Police Station said that six people have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the arson. The arrested individuals are:

  • Al-Amin alias Tamal (22) – Finance Secretary, Sadar Upazila Chhatra League

  • Mainuddin Ahmed Pias (22) – Joint General Secretary, Chhatra League

  • Meem Maruf – Chhatra League leader

  • Aminur Rahman (24) – Chhatra League activist

  • Babul Hossain (54) – General Secretary, Ward 3 Awami League

  • Khan Mohammad Rafi alias Season (18) – Chhatra League leader

Painter Manabendra Ghosh filed a case with the police on Wednesday (April 16), naming unknown individuals. Based on preliminary investigations, the six suspects were detained and are currently being interrogated for further information.

According to police sources, the artist’s residence was completely torched, causing significant loss. No injuries were reported. The attack has sparked outrage among artists, civil society, and human rights activists, who condemned the assault on freedom of expression.

“This is an attack not just on a person, but on cultural freedom and artistic expression,” said a Dhaka University alumnus close to Ghosh.

Police have stated that a full investigation is underway, and more arrests may follow if additional suspects are identified. The motive behind the attack is also being probed to determine whether it was politically or ideologically driven.

The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in the country and growing concerns over the shrinking space for dissent and creative freedom.

END/MSS/AJ