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Cultural activists and July martyred Farhan Faiz Ratul’s relatives said on Tuesday that cultural activists should work for fulfilling people’s aspirations and creating a discrimination-free society, the key spirit of the student-led July-August mass uprising. 

They made the demand at the 56th founding anniversary event of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi at Central Shaheed Minar on the Dhaka University campus.

The event titled Manush Chara Khepa Re Tui Mul Harabi, comprising discussion, poem recitation, dance and songs of mystics and bauls, was inaugurated by Lalon singer Baul Shafi Mondol.

The programme highlighted humanity and harmony through performances.

In his welcome speech at the programme, Udichi general secretary Amit Ranjan Dey said that Udichi conducted countrywide cultural activism against discrimination, exploitation and sectarian violence.

Martyred Farhan Faiz Ratul’s sister Saima Islam Farin and father Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan, public health expert MH Chowdhury Lenin, cultural activist Rana Siddique and folk singer Saidur Rahman Bayati spoke at the event which was chaired by Udichi president Badiur Rahman.

‘We have to demand justice for all killings and enforced disappearances in the past 15 years by the fascist regime of the Awami League,’ said Saima Islam Farin.

In support of the Students Movement Against Discrimination, students have demanded resignation of the president, Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan said, adding, ‘I urge political parties not to sell martyrs for political benefits because the protesters were unarmed and brutally killed by the police.’

MH Chowdhury Lenin said, ‘Cultural activists work for making changes. As the biggest and oldest cultural organisation Udichi should work for people’s aspirations.’

Rana Siddique said that cultural activists of the country had a tendency to flatter the government.

He said, ‘We have to properly use the chance to reform the state which was created by the July mass uprising.’

Saidur Rahman Bayati said that excess of anything was poisonous.

He said, ‘Udichi always works against discrimination and has been attacked many times by evil powers.’ 

The event was anchored by Udichi assistant general secretary Sangeeta Imam.

Besides Udichi units and artistes, Saidur Rahman Bayati, Shafi Mondol, Jahid Hasan and Bangladesh Baul O Lokshilpi Sangstha performed at the event.