In recent months, a concerning pattern has emerged across Bangladesh: cultural events are being systematically disrupted, often at the last moment, by groups citing religious or ideological objections. The most recent victims of this alarming trend include the ‘Dhaka Metropolitan Drama Festival’ and the ‘Basanta Utsav’ in Uttara. These incidents not only highlight growing intolerance but also raise serious concerns about the role of local authorities in safeguarding cultural expression.
Dhaka Metropolitan Drama Festival Abruptly Halted
The ‘Dhaka Metropolitan Drama Festival’ was scheduled to commence on February 15 at the Women’s Association Auditorium in Dhaka and run until February 28. However, on the evening of February 14, a group of individuals arrived at the venue, objected to the festival’s content, and even issued threats of violence. As a result, the organizers, despite months of preparation, had no choice but to cancel the event.
According to Thandu Rayhan, the festival’s convenor, around 85 theatre groups had been rehearsing for this event over two months. The cancellation came after officials from Ramna Police Station allegedly instructed the Women’s Association to halt the festival. Upon seeking clarification from the police, festival organizers were reportedly told that the festival could proceed—except for one particular play, Payer Awaj Pao, which authorities claimed needed to be removed from the lineup. The rationale behind this directive remains unclear, leading to suspicions of external pressure from influential groups.
The situation took a more distressing turn when, immediately after the organizers left the police station, a mob entered the Women’s Association premises, intimidating officials and pressuring them to withdraw venue permissions. Overcome with fear, the Association revoked the auditorium’s allocation, forcing organizers to suspend the festival indefinitely.
Despite these serious allegations, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) later issued a statement denying any involvement in stopping the festival. “DMP has not issued any directive to halt or postpone the festival. We actively encourage artistic and creative events,” the statement read. Nonetheless, overnight, unknown individuals dismantled all decorations from the festival venue, further suggesting a coordinated attempt to suppress the event.
Repeated Attacks on Cultural Events: A Disturbing Pattern
This incident is not isolated. Similar disruptions have been reported in other parts of the country, revealing a wider and more disturbing trend.
Basanta Utsav Blocked in Uttara
In Uttara, the ‘National Spring Festival Celebration Committee’ was forced to cancel the annual Basanta Utsav, despite securing permissions from both the Dhaka North City Corporation and the Metropolitan Police. Organizers reported that a group led by an individual named Iman opposed the event. Initially, they objected to the stage’s name, insisting it be changed from ‘Open Stage’ to ‘Mir Mughdho Stage.’ Even after this demand was met, further objections were raised about the organizers themselves.
According to Manzar Chowdhury Sweet, the festival’s general secretary, preparations had been completed, including the installation of sound systems. However, on the night before the event, local opposition escalated, leading to a heated exchange that continued until midnight. Given concerns for the safety of children and families attending the festival, organizers ultimately decided to call it off.
Recitation Festival in Chattogram Blocked
On the same day, in Chattogram, the poetry and recitation group Proma had its event canceled at CRB Field, despite receiving prior approval from the Bangladesh Railway authority. Organizers were informed just hours before the event that their permission had been revoked without explanation. This sudden decision left many wondering whether it was influenced by external threats or political pressure.
Lalon Festival in Tangail Postponed After Islamist Objections
In Tangail’s Madhupur region, the annual Lalon Smaran Utsav faced similar resistance. The event was originally scheduled for February 12 but was postponed after members of Hefazat-e-Islam and Qawmi Ulema Parishad objected. They presented the local administration with screenshots of Lalon’s philosophical teachings, claiming they contradicted Islamic beliefs. Eventually, a compromise was reached, allowing the festival to proceed on February 23—on the condition that no ‘objectionable’ songs or statements were included.
Why is This Happening?
Many cultural analysts believe that these attacks are not random but part of a coordinated effort to undermine Bangladesh’s secular and cultural traditions. Dr. Jobaida Nasreen, a professor at Dhaka University, argues that these events are part of a systematic campaign by extremist groups.
“These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger, organized effort to suppress Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage. Events like the Lalon Utsav, Bengali New Year celebrations, and drama festivals are integral to our identity. The fact that they are being targeted repeatedly signals a deeper ideological struggle,” she said.
According to her, the government’s silence on these matters is telling. “The authorities are choosing when to speak and when to remain silent. This selective response reveals the political ideology at play here. The absence of strong action against the perpetrators is emboldening them further.”
The Role of the Authorities: Inaction or Complicity?
One of the most disturbing aspects of these incidents is the lack of proactive intervention from law enforcement agencies. Despite being aware of the threats and having legal authority to prevent disruptions, local authorities have largely remained passive.
For example, in the case of the Dhaka Metropolitan Drama Festival, despite the organizers filing an official request for police protection, the event was still canceled due to security concerns. Similarly, in Uttara, despite having received official approval, the festival could not proceed due to last-minute threats from local groups.
The absence of arrests or legal action against those responsible for these disruptions raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting artistic freedom. Are authorities merely incompetent, or is there a tacit approval of these actions from higher levels of power?
What’s Next for Bangladesh’s Cultural Scene?
The repeated targeting of cultural events is an alarming sign of increasing intolerance. If this trend continues, it could lead to a significant decline in Bangladesh’s rich artistic and literary traditions. The growing influence of religious hardliners poses a direct threat to free expression, and unless strong measures are taken, the country’s cultural landscape will suffer irreparable damage.
Cultural activists and concerned citizens are calling for urgent action. Many believe that the government must take a firm stance against such disruptions and ensure that the rights of artists, performers, and cultural organizations are protected. Without decisive intervention, Bangladesh risks losing its cultural heritage to the forces of extremism and ideological suppression.
As one cultural activist put it: “This is not just about festivals. It’s about the very soul of our nation.”
Source: BBC
