Screening of ‘Tandav’ Halted in Tangail Amid Threats from Extremists

Local Correspondent

The screening of the film *Tandav* was halted in Tangail’s Kalihati Upazila following persistent threats from extremist groups. Organizers cited “security concerns” as the reason for suspending the screenings.

The screenings, held at the District Council’s Community Center-cum-Multipurpose Hall in Auliabad, were stopped yesterday afternoon.

Since Eid, the film has been showing in 132 theaters across the country, including Auliabad in Kalihati.

Last Friday, members of the extremist group Ulama Parishad in the Parki Union staged a protest demanding the suspension of the film’s screening. During their rally, they issued threats, vowing to unleash “chaos” if the screenings were not stopped. They warned of demolishing the hall if necessary.

Following the protest, the group submitted a memorandum to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

Local organizers Kamruzzaman Saiful and Saju Mehedi had rented the hall for a month to screen the film, though they paid for only 10 days of use.

Abdullah, a leader of the protesting group, claimed that the screenings disrupted educational activities in mosques and madrasas, alleging potential for immoral activities. He said the protests and memorandum were aimed at shutting down the hall.

Viral statements from other leaders on social media revealed threats to remove all cinemas from the area, with promises to mobilize local worshippers to destroy any halls that defied their demands.

Organizer Saju Mehedi reported investing over Tk 9 lakh for air conditioning, ticket printing, and volunteer recruitment. Despite positive audience responses, they managed only two and a half days of screenings due to restrictions on promotional activities like postering and announcements.

Kamruzzaman Saiful expressed regret over the damages caused by the protests and urged others to remain vigilant against similar incidents. He noted the audience’s enthusiasm, with viewers coming from nearby areas, including Sakhipur and Mirzapur.

Kalihati Police Officer-in-Charge Zakir Hossain confirmed a meeting with local clerics but clarified that he had no authority to resolve the matter.

Kalihati UNO Khairul Islam, currently on leave, acknowledged receiving complaints about the screenings. District Council Chief Executive Officer Shafiqul Islam stated that the hall was rented based on applications and intelligence reports, with a clause allowing suspension if law and order deteriorated. He added that he was unaware of subsequent developments.