Bangladesh

DMP identifies DU arsonist, arrest expected before Pahela Baishakh procession

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has identified the miscreant responsible for setting fire to a motif at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University ahead of the Pohela Boishakh celebrations and the suspect is expected to be arrested by Monday morning, before the Ananda Shobhajatra begins, said DMP Commissioner Sazzat Ali.

Published At : Sunday, 13 Apr 2025, 14:01

“A case has been filed over the incident under the Shahbagh Police Station. We are very close to solving the case,” he added.

Earlier on Saturday, a fire destroyed several symbolic motifs, including the "monstrous face of fascism" and the "dove of peace" created for the Bengali New Year celebrations organised by the Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts.

"The fire is believed to have started between 4:45am and 5am. It may have occurred while mobile team members on duty had gone to offer Fajr prayers," said DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed.

Crafted from bamboo and cane, the depiction portrayed a woman with a toothy grin, four horns on her head, a large nose and two fearful eyes.

The striking image led many to believe it resembled ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In a Facebook post made Saturday morning, Farooki condemned the incident and warned that those involved - regardless of political label - must face legal consequences.