Extremists Linked to July Violence Torch Udichi Office After Chanting “Nara-e-Takbir”

Staff Correspondent

A group of extremists and militants attacked and set fire to the central office of the Udichi Shilpi Gosthi on Topkhana Road in the capital, shouting slogans of ‘Naraye Takbir, Allahu Akbar’.

Today, Friday, December 19, after 7 pm, a group of extremists-militants entered the office, vandalized it, and set it on fire. The fire was later brought under control with the efforts of 4 units of the fire service.

The fire service received a report of the fire at 7:42 pm, said Rozina Akhter, duty officer of the control room.

Eyewitnesses said that around 7 pm, a group of extremists and militants suddenly entered the Udichi office and started widespread vandalism. At that time, they chanted slogans of ‘Naraye Takbir, Allahu Akbar’ and set fire to the inside, spreading panic all around. The people inside the office started running in fear of their lives.

The artists said that the extremists and militants were abusing them in inaudible language.

Fire Service officer Rozina Akhter said, “After receiving the news of the fire, two of our units quickly reached the spot and started working. Considering the severity of the situation, two more units were sent later. The fire was brought under control with the efforts of a total of four units.”

On-site inspections revealed that the fire caused extensive damage to furniture and documents inside the office. However, there was no immediate report of the exact extent of the damage or any casualties.

Ordinary artists and conscious civil society have condemned the incident. Many have written on social media that such attacks and destructive activities are being carried out with the support of the state. They allege that extremists are attacking the art, literature and culture of this country right under the nose of the administration.