‘Songs of Solidarity’ rally in Chattogram canceled over security concerns

Staff Correspondent

Chittagong: Police did not allow a ‘Gane Gane Sangthati Samabesh’ in Chittagong on the pretext of security. The event was organized by various cultural organizations of Chittagong at 4 pm in front of the Chittagong District Shilpakala Academy on Saturday (December 27). However, the police administration banned the event due to lack of prior permission and in the context of recent incidents.

The organizers said the rally was organized to express solidarity by singing songs in protest of the recent attacks on Chhayanaut, Udichi and other cultural institutions, newspapers, media outlets, journalists and artists. The event did not have the formalities of a political rally – it was planned to perform 10 songs and read a statement.

The main reason behind the police’s decision was the cancellation of Nagarbaul James’ concert in Faridpur last night (December 26). The concert was canceled due to brickbats and clashes by outsiders just before James’ performance at the closing ceremony of the 185th anniversary celebration of Faridpur District School. At least 25-30 people, including the convener of the organizing committee, were injured in the incident. The program was declared closed on the orders of the district administration.

A statement from the Chittagong branch of the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad said, “In the wake of the Faridpur incident, it is regrettable that this peaceful cultural gathering has been banned on the pretext of security. Cultural activists believe that security risks at cultural events have been increasing in the country in recent times, which has created concern among artists and audiences. This incident has raised new questions in the country’s cultural sphere – how safe is the right to express solidarity through peaceful protest and song?”