Theater activists determined to continue protests |

Theater and Arts

Sat 9 November 2024 19:25
Last update date: Saturday, November 9, 2024 19:36

Saturday, 9 November 2024 19:25 Last update date: Saturday, 9 November 2024 19:36

Photos: Kazi Rakib and collected

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Photos: Kazi Rakib and collected

Activists of Bangladesh Group Theater Federation (BGTF) today attended the press conference held at the seminar room of the National Theater Hall in response to the unwarranted attack on activists during the protest held at the National Theater Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) yesterday. At the meeting, the urgent need to protect the country’s cultural sector so that theatrical events can continue without fear was emphasized.

According to the information obtained, those who attacked the activists’ meeting at BSA on Friday returned today as well. This time, they staged a protest in front of the Shilpakala Academy gate, chanting various slogans. Meanwhile, the police and the army detained two people.

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A police official, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We have detained two people in connection with the incident for questioning. They have no connection with the theater community and are believed to be outsiders. They may be arrested or released depending on the investigation. Further updates will be provided later.”

Photos: Collected

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Photos: Collected

Last Friday (November 8) BGTF staged a protest over the cancellation of the play “Nityapurana” on November 2. During the performance, as playwright Mamunur Rashid addressed the audience to make a speech, unidentified assailants threw eggs at him and fled while theater activists pursued them.

After the attack, it was clear that Rasheed was not affected, and he addressed the crowd from the stage and said, “Those who participated in this shameful action, why did you run away? Come forward, let’s do theater together!”

Expressing his regret that there was no intervention despite the presence of security forces, Memunur Rashid said, “If this incident can happen in front of the authorities, what kind of security is provided to us? Those responsible should face exemplary punishment.”

At today’s press conference, prominent names in the theater community, including playwright and director Masum Rıza, BGTF General Secretary Kamal Bayezid, actor-director Tapan Hafız, actor Kamal Ahmed and former Federation General Secretary Akhtaruzzaman, called for the implementation of strict rules. Security measures for the protection of artists.

Photo: Kazi Rakib

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Photo: Kazi Rakib

Secretary General Kamal Bayezid made a statement on behalf of BGTF and said, “Why did the security forces not immediately arrest the oppressors upon receiving notice? We see the attack on Memunur Reşid as a direct threat and conspiracy against the cultural practices of the country and should be condemned without delay.”

“We call on the authorities to act quickly and take strict punitive measures against all threats targeting the cultural sector. No free cultural practice can flourish without guaranteeing the safety and security of cultural activists,” Bayezid said. he added.

Kamal Bayezid also announced on the protest stage that all theater artists across the country will wear black badges for the next seven days. A nationwide protest is planned for November 15 to condemn the incident, and further actions will be announced if the situation worsens.

Photo: Kazi Rakib

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Photo: Kazi Rakib

Theater actor Innocent Rıza also condemned the attack and said, “A few traitors threw eggs and ran away. As theater activists, we strongly condemn this cowardly act. The perpetrators should be arrested. We should not stop playing games out of fear. We need to continue performing every day.”

Group Theater Federation program secretary Khandaker Shah Alam stressed that there was no conflict between theater activists and ongoing student protests against inequality. “We believe that those who attacked our peaceful protest are not part of the Student Anti-Discrimination Movement,” he said. “So what did theater activists do to deserve such an attack? We’re just protesting injustice.”

He called on the interim government to confirm whether theater performers will be allowed to continue cultural activities across the country.

Theater practitioners within the Federation of Group Theaters made a written statement and questioned why the attackers were not arrested despite the presence of law enforcement officers at the scene. “The authorities need to explain why the attackers have not been caught yet. We have photos and videos of the attack. There is enough evidence to identify and arrest them.”

During the conference, Tapan Hafez added: “The police contacted us and asked if we knew the attackers or if we suspected anyone. We told them that there were already photos and videos of the incident in the media, so they could investigate and do what was necessary.”

Photos: Collected

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Photos: Collected

Actor Kamal Ahmed also echoed these sentiments, stating that Shilpakala Academy, where the incident took place, was responsible for ensuring security. “Our job is only to organize and organize events at Shilpakala premises, so the responsibility of taking legal action against security breaches naturally falls on the BSA. We have photographs and videos showing the attackers breaking the doors and attacking the premises. We are ready to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice.”

Famous theater activist Jhuna Chowdhury evaluated the post-July period and stated that a group has been trying to destroy Bengali culture for a long time. “They are a coordinated group that constantly opposes our history and traditions. A large number of cultural activists participated in the July-August riots, and many were injured. Those who label us as anti-revolutionaries are only trying to prevent our cultural movements from being allowed to happen again.”

Earlier, on November 2, an unexpected disturbance at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy National Theater Hall (BSA) led to the sudden cancellation of the play “Nityapurana”.

A group of protesters gathered outside the hall and Shilpakala Academy Managing Director Syed Jamil Ahmed, in coordination with the play’s theater troupe Desh Natok, tried to stop the performance.

Ahmed later addressed the decision in a virtual press conference, stating that the show was canceled to ensure the safety of the audience, performers and property. The cancellation sparked public debate and criticism.