Savar cultural activists yet to get Shilpakala Academy

It's been a long-standing resolve of cultural activists in Savar to get a mandated cultural platform like Shilpakala Academy.

Starting from human chains to processions, numerous programmes were held by activists but their efforts came to a halt due to land crisis and other administrative issues.

In May 2017, their dreams were about to come true when the then local MP and present state minister for disaster management and relief, Dr Md Enamur Rahman, laid down the foundation stone for the construction of the academy with a piece of land next to the Bangshi river and Savar Model Police Station.

However, there has been little progress ever since due to a land dispute.

In 2017, the LGRD ministry approved Tk 1,88,97,975 for the academy, which was later cancelled and the land was returned due to the dispute.

Disappointed once again, the cultural activists started raising their demands anew, focusing on the selection of a new site. But their concerns were yet to be resolved.

Saran Kumar Saha, general secretary of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote in Savar, said there are around 300 cultural activists affiliated with various organisations in Savar, going through a rough time due to the lack of rehearsal spaces and an auditorium.

Savar UNO Majharul Islam said, "We're trying our best to allocate 40 decimals of government land in an area suitable for constructing the academy. Hopefully, we will be able to complete the project soon."