Misappropriation of Covid-19 funds: Cultural activists hold rallies in Thakurgaon

A number of activists from several cultural organisations today held rallies at different places including Chourasta intersection of Thakurgaon town in protest against the anomalies in distribution of the government Covid-19 fund for affected artists.

The protest rallies, organised by Udichi Shilpi Gosthi, were also simultaneously held at Pirganj and Ranisankail uspazila headquarters, our Thakurgaon correspondent reports.

Setara Begum, president of the district unit committee of Udichi, Hanis Mia of Shahi Baul Gosthi, Rajon Thakur of Nikkon Sangeet School and some other locally-renowned cultural activists addressed the rally held at Thakurgaon Chourasta intersection.

The protestors claimed a section of 'affluent' cultural activists had misappropriated the fund and ignored those artists in real need of the financial assistance amid the crisis of coronavirus.

Two musical artists were being given the allowance from the cultural affairs ministry although they had both died years ago respectively, Setara Begum, said.

She asked the authorities to look into who was receiving the allowance in their names.

The participants at the rallies urged that the list be revised and include indigent artists.

On May 13, the cultural affairs ministry announced to give financial help to 5,000 artists, who were left without income sources amid the nationwide shutdown due to Covid-19.

The offices of deputy commissioners, districts cultural offices and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy were asked to make lists of the artists.