Arson at Sculptor Manbendra Ghosh’s Home Sparks Outrage

Editorial

A group of miscreants set fire to the home of sculptor Manbendra Ghosh in the Chandair Ghosh’s Bazar area of Garpara Union, Manikganj Sadar Upazila. The incident occurred late at night, destroying many of Ghosh’s valuable artworks and sculptures accumulated over his long career.

According to Ghosh’s family and police, the fire broke out around 3 a.m. on Tuesday night in a tin-roofed room of the house. Family members alerted the fire service, which arrived around 4 a.m. to extinguish the blaze.

Manbendra Ghosh revealed that he had been receiving threats on social media since before the Bengali New Year celebrations. The threats targeted his sculptures, including tiger motifs he created for the festive parade. On Tuesday, he filed a general diary (GD) with Manikganj Sadar Police Station regarding these threats, only for his house to be set on fire a few hours later.

Despite filing the GD and seeking legal assistance, Ghosh did not receive adequate protection, raising questions about administrative negligence.

Cultural Ministry Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki commented on the incident in a Facebook post, stating, “The police have begun efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack on artist Manbendra Ghosh’s home. I have discussed the matter with Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir, who has issued clear instructions to the Inspector General of Police.”

He further wrote, “In recent days, ousted Awami League supporters have been inciting attacks against Manbendra Ghosh online, accusing him of crafting an effigy of Hasina. Every individual involved in this will be brought to justice. Bangladesh has just celebrated an extraordinary festival of harmony across its hills and plains. At this time, their attack serves as a grim reminder of the lingering animosities of July. However, they fail to realize that the people of Bangladesh are moving forward with resilience and unity.”

While the Cultural Adviser used social media to shift blame, the lack of immediate support following the GD has been widely criticized.

The deteriorating law and order situation in the country has left the government unable to ensure security for its citizens. Following incidents, the government often blames Awami League activists, deflecting attention from its own shortcomings. In a prior case involving a sculpture being burned at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, similar accusations against Awami League affiliates proved baseless.

Since being ousted on August 5 last year, Awami League members across the country have faced numerous cases and arrests. Many have been displaced to avoid mass arrests, fueling skepticism about the government’s narrative.

Manbendra Ghosh emphasized that he did not create any sculpture resembling the former prime minister. His work was limited to tiger motifs. Observers question whether his minority religious identity played a role, particularly since idols of Hindu deities at his home were also set ablaze.

The incidents of arson and vandalism targeting political opponents’ homes have become alarmingly frequent over the past eight months. Recently, the banned Chhatra League president’s house was set on fire. Former Sylhet City Mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, Awami League Organizing Secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel, and others have faced similar attacks.

The majority of those affected by such incidents have been Awami League members and religious minorities. The attack on Ghosh’s home appears to be another instance in this troubling trend.

Immediate action is required to address the perpetrators of this culture of arson and vandalism. If the government continues to deflect responsibility, such atrocities will persist unchecked.