Udichi event obstructed in Bogura

The office of Udichi Shilpigoshti was attacked, and two of its activists were allegedly beaten up in Bogura town yesterday over an event featuring the collective rendition of the national anthem.

The cultural organisation alleged that a group of youths under the banner of Fascibaad Birodhi Mancha (platform against fascism) carried out the attack.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Shahidur Rahman, general secretary of Udichi Shilpigoshti's Bogura unit, said they organised the programme at Muktamancha in the Satmatha area at 5:00pm.

"We went to the venue around 4:00pm, but a group of people obstructed us. Then we went to the Shaheed Minar to hold the event," he said.

"But they followed us and obstructed us there too, triggering a scuffle. Then we briefly held our programme, and were returning to our office. At that time, they chased us, beat up two of our members, and attacked our office," Shahidur added.

The attackers tore a banner and tried to vandalise the office.

Asked about the incident, Md Sifatullah, an organiser of Fascibaad Birodhi Mancha, said, "Udichi is a fascist platform. They also uphold the Awami culture. Even now, they keep denying the July uprising.

"That is why we, along with the ordinary people and political leaders, tried to resist them [Udichi]. But they attacked some of our July heroes."

Sifatullah, also an organiser of Students Against Discrimination, added, "Then we informed the police and took the banner down. We did not vandalise the office."

Mostafa Manjur, an additional superintendent of Bogura police, said an incident of scuffle took place. "But no one was injured. Police personnel have been deployed at the Udichi office."

Meanwhile, the central committee of Udichi in a statement condemned the incident and demanded punishment of the attackers.