Demolition of Lalon sculpture a conspiracy

Cultural organisations form a human chain on the premises of Dinajpur Government College yesterday demanding re-installation of baul sculpture near Zia International Airport in the capital.Photo: STAR

Protests against demolition of Lalon sculpture in the capital by religious bigots continued yesterday in districts. The protesters demanded re-installation of the sculpture, saying it is expressive of Bangladesh's rich culture and heritage.
In Rajshahi University, Sculpture Protection Mancho, a newly floated organisation of over 20 cultural bodies and students organisation, yesterday launched a three-day programme on the campus demanding re-installation of the Baul sculpture near Zia International Airport in Dhaka.
On the first day, the Manch held a rally in front of Madhu Canteen and vowed to resist anarchy and violence in the name of religion.
Leaders at the rally also expressed solidarity with the proposal to name of ZIA Chhatar as 'Baul Chhatar'.
They said demolition of the Lalon sculpture is apart of an evil design by fundamentalist forces to destabilise the situation ahead of the election. It is a plot against Bangla culture and tradition, and also the spirit of the Liberation war, they said.
The programme includes sit-in demonstration and cultural programme today (Monday), protest art exhibition and rally and human chain on the campus tomorrow.
Earlier on the day, Bangladesh Chhatra Union (BCU), Samajtrantrik Chhatra Front (SCF) and Progotishil Chhatra Jote (PCJ) at RU formed separate human chains and held protest rallies on the campus demanding reinstallation of the sculpture.
In Nilphamari, different socio-cultural organizations formed a human chain and held a rally at Chowrongi intersection in the town demanding re-setting of the sculpture.
Local Udichi Shilphi Ghosti, Muktijoddha Smriti Pathagar, Mohila Parishad, Sahitto Parishad, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, Bhawyaia Academy, Shilpi Samaj, Ekatturer Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committe jointly organized the programmes.