Cultural activists vow to fight communalism

Cultural activists yesterday vowed to raise their voice against all sorts of injustice and communalism, with the aim to build a non-communal and democratic Bangladesh.

They came up with the pledge at a discussion on the occasion of the eight central conference and National Council-2022 of the cultural platform Sammilita Sangskritik Jote at the capital's Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

The conference, which was held after eight years with the slogan "Sangskritir Shoktite Jege Othho Bangladesh (Improve Bangladesh with cultural strength)", began with hoisting of the national flag and singing  the national anthem in the morning, followed by a discussion.

Speaking at the discussion, eminent cultural personality and lawmaker Asaduzzaman Noor said, "We are not affiliated with any political party. Rather, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote is an independent body, and it works in favour of the Liberation War and non-communalism."

Renowned thespian Ramendu Majumdar said, "There is an allegation that we have lost our protesting spirit. But we should regain that reputation by raising our voice against all sorts of injustice."

Sammilita Sangskritik Jote president Golam Kuddus said, "We are witnessing a strong presence of communal and anti-liberation forces in all sectors including our educational institutions. We have to stand against such forces."

He also demanded the government to increase the budgetary allocation for setting up more cultural infrastructure in the grassroots.

Other cultural personalities including Mamunur Rashid, Nasiruddin Yusuff Bachchu, Sara Zaker, Jhuna Chowdhury, Liberation War Museum's trustee Mofidul Haque, Shilpakala Academy's director general Liaquat Ali Lucky and eminent sociologist Dr Anupam Sen, among others, also spoke at the function, moderated by the jote's acting general secretary Ahkam Ullah.

Later in the evening, Golam Kuddus was re-elected as the president, and Ahkam Ullah was elected as general secretary.