Cultural activists on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as he took no legal action against attacks on more than a hundred shrines in his tenure.
They said that the interim government helps to raise 鈥業slamofascism鈥� and 鈥楿S Imperialism鈥� in the country while mob violence threatens democratic rights of the citizens.
They also demanded immediate and unconditional release of Abul Sarkar, and action against the people who attacked Bauls under the banner of 鈥楾awhidi Janata鈥� during a human chain formed in Manikganj as the Bauls were demanding the release of Abul Sarkar on Sunday.
The protest programme, organised by Ganatantrik Sanskritik Oikya in front of the National Press Club in the capital Dhaka, demanded the resignation of the cultural advisor and home advisor regarding the issues.
The protest, Chaired by the convener Mafijur Rahman Laltu, also demanded the reinstatement of music and physical training teacher positions in government primary schools.
Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi general secretary Jamshed Anwar Topon, Pragati Lekhak Sangha treasurer Dinobondhu Das, Baul singer Md Delowar Hossain Boyati, Moulana Bhasani Parishad general secretary Harunur Rashid, among others, spoke at the event.
Dinobondhu Das said that Bauls and folk artists have been considered philosophers in this land for a thousand years.
He suggested that the Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus should leave his position because the nation does not require fanaticism in the name of civilization.
He also urged the government to disclose the identity of 鈥楾awhidi Janata鈥� who was responsible for mob violence.
Md Delowar Hossain Boyati said that he is facing hate speech and threats through phone calls after protesting against the arrest of Baul Abul Sarkar through a Facebook post.
He also clarified that Baul Abul Sarkar was performing Jib-Param鈥檚 pala and had not demeaned Allah in his performance.
Jamshed Anwar Topon mentioned that Jamat-e-Islami representatives were visiting people鈥檚 houses and persuading them to believe that if they cast a vote for Daripalla, they would easily cross the Pulsirat after death.
He alleged that the cultural adviser is abusing his power.
鈥楥ultural activists are being discriminated against by the cultural ministry and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy,鈥� Jamshed Anwar Topon said, demanding resignation of cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and home affairs adviser retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury regarding the issue.
