Artist Manabendra Ghosh’s home set on fire in Manikganj, allegedly over Pahela Baishakh motif

Unidentified miscreants allegedly set fire to the home of artist Manabendra Ghosh in the Garpara Bazar area of Manikganj Sadar upazila late on Tuesday night (April 15).

One room of the house was completely gutted in the fire, according to family sources.

The incident is believed to be linked to a recent controversy surrounding an artwork displayed by Ghosh during Pahela Baishakh celebrations in Dhaka. Allegations surfaced claiming the artist had created an effigy resembling ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

However, Ghosh firmly denied the accusation, stating that his work only featured a tiger motif, not any political figure.

In a Facebook status posted on Wednesday (April 16), Ghosh wrote, “Our house has been set on fire.”

Speaking to reporters later, Ghosh expressed concern for his safety: “My family and I are living in fear for our lives. I urge the government to intervene immediately.”

Following the incident, Officer-in-Charge Aman Ullah of Manikganj Sadar Police Station visited the scene along with other police officials. The OC said that legal proceedings are currently underway regarding the incident.