Manikganj, Apr 16 (V7N) – Miscreants have allegedly set fire to the house of artist Manabendra Ghosh, who designed the tiger motif for the ‘Barshavaran Ananda Shobhajatra’ on the first day of Baishakh. The arson attack took place on Tuesday night (April 15) in the Garpara Bazar area of Sadar Upazila, Manikganj.

In a Facebook post following the incident, Manabendra Ghosh revealed that he had become the target of outrage on social media after some Facebook pages and profiles wrongly attributed a satirical portrait to him. “People have shown angry reactions and blamed me without checking the facts,” Ghosh wrote, clarifying that he had no involvement in any motif other than the tiger motif created for this year’s celebrations.

Ghosh, a long-time participant in the Baishakh festivities since 2004, stated that he was assigned only the tiger motif this year, as in previous years, and had no part in any satirical artwork.

The incident has left his family in a state of deep insecurity and fear. As of now, the identity of the perpetrators remains unknown.

Superintendent of Police Yasmin Khatun confirmed that law enforcement is actively investigating the case. Police personnel have visited the scene and are working to uncover the motive and the culprits behind the arson.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Manowar Hossain Molla assured that the district administration will take responsibility for rebuilding the house. He also emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.

The incident has sparked concern in artistic and cultural communities, with many calling for protection of artists and freedom of expression in the country.

END/MSS/AJ