Protests go on against removal of sculptures
Cultural activists brought out a procession on Dhaka University campus in protest at the removal of Baul sculptures from airport roundabout yesterday.
They demanded a free environment for art and culture in the country.
Sachetan Shilpi Samaj brought out the procession from the Fine Arts Institute. Singing along patriotic songs and holding dolls, the activists paraded the campus.
The organisation, which draws in artists from across the cultural spectrum, said they do not go gaga over sculptor Mrinal Haque who had designed the dismantled sculptures, nor do they have anything to do with the so-called Murti Protirodh Committee.
They said they only want a free environment for art and culture in the country.
The activists called on the government to adopt a policy on the recommendation of a proposed specialist committee comprised of painters, sculptors, urban planners, architects, archaeologists and historians, to erect sculptures in the city.
Popular singer Mamataj, who took part in the procession, told reporters that she could not hold concerts in a few places because of threats from fundamentalists, adding that cultural activities in the country would peter out if such strangulation is allowed to continue.
Kendria Khelaghar Asar, a children's organisation, called for immediate reinstallation of the sculptures in front of Zia International Airport.
They, at a rally at Central Shaheed Minar, demanded that the government name the roundabout 'Lalon Chattar'.
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