5 held over arson attack on Pohela Boishakh artist's home

Police have detained five individuals in connection with the arson attack on the residence of artist and motif designer Manabendra Ghosh, known for his contributions to the Pohela Boishakh Anondo Shobhajatra celebrations.

The suspects were detained at the Gulshan residence of former Health Minister Zahid Maleque in Dhaka.

The arrested individuals include Md Uzzal Hossain, 35, a former joint convener of Jubo League and ex-vice president of the Sadar upazila unit of the banned Chhatra League; Masud Rana, 35, former religious affairs secretary of the district Chhatra League; Mir Saifullah Shafi, 38, a Jubo League activist; and Chhatra League members Abid Hasan, 24, and Md Hridoy Hossain, 24, all from Garpara union in Sadar upazila.

SM Amanullah, Officer-in-Charge of the Manikganj Sadar police station, confirmed that the arrests are related to the arson attack on Ghosh’s home in Chandar village, Garpara, on the night of April 15.

The suspects are set to be presented before a court on Sunday, where police will request a seven-day remand for further questioning.