DMP identifies DU arsonist, arrest expected before Pahela Baishakh procession
The suspect is expected to be arrested by tomorrow morning (14 April), before the Ananda Shobhajatra begins, said DMP Commissioner Sazzat Ali
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has identified the individual responsible for setting fire to two motifs at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations.
DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali said the suspect is expected to be arrested by tomorrow morning (14 April), before the Anondo Shobhajatra begins.
"The individual involved in setting fire to the motifs — a symbolic face representing autocracy and a pigeon for peace— has already been identified. We hope to arrest the individual before the Shobhajatra begins tomorrow," the DMP commissioner told journalists while inspecting the security arrangements for the Pahela Baishakh celebrations at Ramna Park in the capital this morning (13 April).
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"A case has been filed over the incident with Shahbagh Police Station. We are very close to solving the case," he added.
Earlier on Saturday (12 April), a fire destroyed several symbolic motifs, including the 'monstrous face of fascism' and the 'Pigeon 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 5:00am. 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.
