‘Gaane Gaane Sanghati’ programme fails to take place in Chattogram

The "Gaane Gaane Sanghati" (Solidarity through Songs) programme, planned in Chattogram to protest recent attacks on cultural groups, media institutions, artistes, and journalists, did not take place on Saturday due to administrative restrictions.

Several cultural organisations had scheduled the programme outside the Chattogram Shilpakala Academy on Saturday afternoon. According to the organisers, the event was aimed at protesting what they described as assaults on age-old Bangla cultural practices and the spirit of the Liberation War.

The programme was scheduled to begin at 3:30pm. However, around 3 pm, organisers announced that it had been postponed, citing "administrative restrictions".

Organisers alleged that police discouraged the event, referring to security concerns. "We were informed that holding the programme could create security issues, and therefore we were asked not to proceed," one organiser said.

Read more

Pandit Birju Maharaj Kathak festival concludes in Dhaka

On the other hand, law enforcement authorities said the programme was stopped because no prior permission had been obtained. "Any public gathering requires prior approval. Since the organisers did not seek permission, the event could not be allowed," a police official said.

No untoward incident was reported at the venue, and the area remained calm following the announcement of the postponement.

Organisers said they would announce a new date for the programme after holding discussions with the authorities.