Bengali Culture Under Threat: Spring Festival Canceled Amid Protests by Shibir and Anti-Discrimination Groups

Staff Reporter

The rise of religious fundamentalism in Bangladesh has intensified since Muhammad Yunus’s interim government took power, with its allied organizations playing a significant role. In a recent blow to Bengali culture, the “Spring Festival,” one of the country’s iconic celebrations, was canceled in Uttara due to resistance from Islami Chhatra Shibir and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, reportedly supported by the ruling Yunus government.

Despite securing proper permissions from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Metropolitan Police, the National Spring Festival Celebration Committee was unable to proceed with the event in Uttara.

Organizers claimed they attempted negotiations with the protesters late into the night, even removing an organizer accused of being linked to the Awami League. However, the festival could not take place.

The festival was originally scheduled to be held at venues including Dhaka University’s Bakultala, Bahadur Shah Park in Old Dhaka, and Uttara’s Open Stage. While events at Bakultala and Bahadur Shah Park proceeded with caution, the Uttara celebration was canceled.

Manzar Chowdhury Sweet, General Secretary of the festival committee, stated, “We followed the proper procedures, applied to DNCC, obtained approval, and paid the venue fees. We also secured police permission. However, due to local opposition, we couldn’t hold the event today.”

Reports indicate that local protests were led by a person named Iman Rahman Farhad, who identified himself as the spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s Turag unit.

When contacted, Iman claimed that the Youth Welfare Association of Uttara had been maintaining the open stage, renamed “Mir Mughda Stage” after August 5. He alleged, “One of the organizers is linked to the Awami League.” However, he could not provide the name of the person he referred to.

Iman also criticized the festival organizers for not using the “correct” name of the stage on their banners, further stating, “We’ve informed DNCC about renaming the stage, and an official has inspected the site. The change will be made.”

A DNCC-issued permission letter seen by reporters confirmed that the venue was allocated for the festival under the name “Open Stage.”

When asked about his official capacity, Iman stated, “I am not directly in charge, but we are currently maintaining the stage.”

Attempts to reach Samanta Sharmin, spokesperson for the National Citizens’ Committee, and Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, went unanswered.

Sarwar Tushar, co-convener of the National Citizens’ Committee, commented, “We are not yet aware of the situation. We will look into it.”