JMBF asserts that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees freedom of speech, cultural diversity, and the right to peaceful assembly. However, the blatant disregard for these rights, as seen in these incidents, represents a direct attack on the nation's democratic values. The forced shutdowns of these events, often under threats of violence and pressure from extremist groups, reveal a dangerous shift toward intolerance, eroding the artistic and intellectual freedom that has long defined Bangladesh's rich cultural landscape.
The cancellation of the Dhaka Metropolitan Theater Festival due to threats at the Women’s Association Auditorium serves as a stark reminder that even in the heart of the capital, freedom of expression is under siege. Similarly, in Chattogram, Proma’s Spring Festival was abruptly halted after authorities revoked permission mid-event, disregarding the rights of organizers and participants. In Uttara, local groups imposed arbitrary demands on the National Spring Festival, obstructing a legally approved event under the pretext of personal disagreements with the organizers. The most disturbing of these incidents occurred in Tangail, where extremist religious groups labeled Lalon’s philosophy as "heretical" and "shirk" (polytheism), forcing the cancellation of a long-established memorial festival.
JMBF believes these incidents are part of a broader trend of cultural repression, where artists, writers, and performers are increasingly being silenced through fear, intimidation, and institutional negligence. The growing influence of radical elements in determining what cultural expressions are deemed "acceptable" threatens to dismantle Bangladesh’s pluralistic identity. If left unchecked, this suppression will not only stifle artistic voices but also undermine the very foundation of free thought and expression in the country.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF expressed deep concern over the escalating attacks on cultural freedom in Bangladesh. He stated, "Freedom of artistic and cultural expression is the cornerstone of a just and democratic society. What we are witnessing in Bangladesh is a systematic effort to silence voices of creativity and dissent, driven by fear and intolerance. This must not be allowed to continue. The international community must take a firm stand in support of the country’s artists, writers, and performers who are facing grave threats."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights activist and the Founder President of JMBF condemned the suppression of cultural events, calling for urgent action, "These incidents are a direct attack on Bangladesh’s constitutional values and the fundamental rights of its citizens. The forced cancellations of cultural programs due to threats from extremist groups and the inaction of authorities are deeply alarming. The government must take immediate and decisive steps to protect artistic freedom and hold those responsible for these unlawful interventions accountable. JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France will continue to stand with cultural activists and defend their right to express themselves without fear."
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France calls upon the Government of Bangladesh to take immediate and decisive action to protect artists and cultural practitioners from threats and unlawful interventions. Those responsible for obstructing these events must be held accountable to prevent further violations. The government must reaffirm its constitutional commitment to freedom of speech, artistic expression, and cultural diversity, ensuring that extremist groups cannot dictate or control public and cultural life.
Beyond Bangladesh, JMBF urges the international community, human rights organizations, and diplomatic missions to closely monitor this escalating crisis. The suppression of the arts is the suppression of a nation’s soul. We call on global institutions to amplify the voices of threatened cultural activists and pressure Bangladeshi authorities to uphold their human rights commitments.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France stands in unwavering solidarity with all those who courageously defend the right to create, perform, and celebrate culture without fear. JMBF believes that art and culture are fundamental to democracy and freedom, and we will continue to fight against all forms of oppression that seek to silence these voices.
Fact in Brief (According to information received from JMBF's reliable sources and reports published in various newspapers in Bangladesh):
Incident 01: Theater Festival Halted Amid Controversy in Dhaka
On February 15, 2025 (Saturday), at 5 PM, the inauguration of the Dhaka Metropolitan Theater Festival was scheduled to take place at the Women’s Association Auditorium in Dhaka. The festival was supposed to run from February 15 to February 28.
However, on Friday evening, a group of individuals arrived at the Women’s Association, objected to the festival, and even threatened to attack the event. As a result, despite all preparations being in place, the organizers—Dhaka Metropolitan Theater Council—were forced to cancel the event.
Incident 02: Recitation Festival by Proma Halted in Chattogram
On February 15, 2025 (Saturday), the Spring Festival organized by the recitation group Proma was scheduled to take place at CRB Field in Chattogram. The responsibility for granting permission for the event lay with the Railway Authority.
The morning session of the event took place as scheduled from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. However, after the lunch break, the next session was supposed to begin at 3 PM.
At around 1:30 PM, the Railway Authority called the organizers and informed them that the event could not continue and that their permission had been revoked.
Incident 03: Spring Festival Canceled in Uttara
Despite obtaining permission from both the Dhaka North City Corporation and the Metropolitan Police, the ‘National Spring Festival Celebration Council’ was unable to hold the Spring Festival in Uttara on February 14, 2025.
A local group, led by a person named Imon, obstructed the event.
"Their first issue was that the stage name should be 'Mir Mughda Mancha' instead of 'Open Stage'. When their demand was met, they then claimed they didn't like the event organizers," said the organizers.
On the night of February 13, all arrangements were nearly complete, including the sound system, which had arrived from Chhayanaut. The event was set to begin at 7:30 AM on February 14, 2025. However, the locals intervened and objected, leading to a heated debate until midnight.
Notably, the individual leading the obstruction claimed to be a member of the ‘National Citizens Committee’ or the ‘Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’.
Incident 04: Lalon Memorial Festival Suspended in Tangail Due to Opposition
The Lalon Memorial Festival, scheduled for February 12, 2025 (Wednesday, 8 PM) at the Madhupur Bus Stand in Tangail, was canceled due to opposition from two organizations.
The Hefazat-e-Islam and the Olama Parishad Madhupur Branch opposed the event, resulting in its cancellation.
Since its establishment in 2017, the Lalon Sangha has successfully organized the Lalon Memorial Festival twice on a large scale at the Madhupur Bus Stand. This year, they planned the Lalon Memorial Festival 2025, a cultural event with the Upazila Executive Officer as the chief guest.
Preparations were in full swing when suddenly, opposition from Hefazat-e-Islam emerged. The festival organizers held a meeting on February 11 with Hefazat leaders, who stated that Lalon’s ideology was "forbidden," "heretical," and "shirk" (polytheism) and that they would not allow the propagation of such beliefs in Madhupur.
Fearing a deterioration in the law and order situation, the event was officially suspended.
No comments:
Post a Comment