Cultural activists on Saturday demanded trials of supporters of mass killings which happened during the quota reform movement.
They also called for immediate steps to create a list of martyrs of the Student Against Discrimination movement, proper treatment of those injured, and rehabilitation and compensation for them.
The call was made at a press conference organised by the Protibadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangathonsomuha to declare their platform as Ganatantrik Sanskritik Oikya at their temporary office in the capital.
They also condemned acts of vandalism carried out against religious and cultural organisations, sculptures and creating mayhem after the resignation of the Sheikh Hasina government.
At the press conference, they placed 11-point demand to the interim government.
The demands and circumstances leading to the formation of the platform titled Ganatantrik Sanskritik Oikya were read by Bibarton Sangskritik Kendra general secretary Mafizur Rahman Laltu while leaders of the other organisations were present at the event.
The demands included abolishing the Cyber Security Act releasing those detained under the Act, creating space for democratic cultural practice, taking steps to develop healthy cultural practice, increasing the budget for culture and minimum rent for government auditoriums, reopening of Chhatra Sangsad in all educational institutions, withdrawal of the army from the hill tracts areas, and separation of the judiciary from the executive. 聽
The Protibadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangathonsomuha started its work on May 6, 2023, and since then has been running different activities to promote demands of students, labourers and the ordinary people.
鈥楴ow we announce our platform as Ganatantrik Sanskritik Oikya to extend the activities countrywide. We urge all progressive writers, artists, intellectuals and organisations to join us to strengthen our aim,鈥� said Mafizur Rahman Laltu.
鈥楴ot all cultural organisations of the country were under the Sammilita Sangskritik Jote. Many of the SSJ members announced separate events as the SSJ leaders 聽supported the mass killings by the government. We demand trial of those who supported the mass killings,鈥� added Laltu. 聽 聽