Sangskritik Jote vows to go ahead with programmes at Shaheed Minar

The country is in a grave situation, as the government has failed to unearth the grenade attacks and punish the perpetrators, leaders of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote said yesterday.

They said instead of hunting down the criminals responsible for blasting bombs and grenades at jatra shows, the government has ordered a stay on the folk theatre.

The leaders were announcing their programmes to observe Amar Ekushey (February 21), at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the city.

"The situation is not at all acceptable and we're also concerned over the rise of fundamentalist groups in the country," said General Secretary of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote Golam Kuddus. He was reading out the keynote paper.

"Though a vested quarter has been trying to hinder the observance for the last two years, we'll organise cultural programmes at Central Shaheed Minar", he added.

Ramendu Majumdar, former president of the Jote, said, "The main strength of Bangladesh is its culture, and if people don't come forward to resist the evil force, they'd feel encouraged."

The Jote will arrange its programmes and hold discussions at Central Shaheed Minar and Rabindra Sarowar Mancha in Dhanmondi to observe February 21, also observed as International Mother Language Day.

Programmes at the Shaheed Minar will start on February 8 and continue until February 19. Noted poet Shamsur Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the function.

Language movement activist Imdad Hossain will inaugurate the programmes at Rabindra Sarowar Mancha scheduled for February 15-21.

Language activist and poet Mahbubul Alam Chowdhury, Dr Sanjida Khatun, among others, will take part in the discussions.

Jote President Nasiruddin Yusuf, Presidium Member Muhammad Samad, Executive Committee Member Jhuna Chowdhury, Kamal Pasha Chowdhury, leader of Bangladesh Jatrashilpa Unnayan Parishad, Milon Kanti Dey were also present at the news conference.