Cultural activists protest cancellation of classical music festival

Protesting the cancellation of Bengal Classical Music Festival this year, cultural organisers and activists recently observed a sit-in programme in Mymensingh town.

The programme, organised in front of Shashi Lodge was also attended by people from different sections including poets and journalists.

The speakers said the practice of classical music should not be obstructed as everyone has the right to listen to their traditional music. Our classical music is our tradition and pride, said the speakers.

Classical music, continuing for centuries, is a must for the country's cultural development, they added.

Terming the cancellation as the biggest blow to the country's cultural scenario, they also urged the government to take immediate effective steps so that the festival attended by illustrious classical maestros from home and abroad could be held on schedule.

Bengal Foundation's classical music festival started from Mymensingh through a classical event themed “Mayar Madhuri” at Zila Shilpakala Academy in May 2012, said Rezaul Karim Aslam, chairman of Novice Foundation, a Mymensingh-based cultural institution here.

Eminent flautist AHM Shahabuddin Khan, Sarwar Chowdhury, Shah Saiful Alam Pannu, Prof Afzal Rahman, Sarwar Kamal Robin, baul Sunil Karmaker, Mahbub Hossain Sharif, Abdul Motalab Lal, advocate Nazrul Islam Chuunu, Shibbir Ahmed Liton, Dwipshikha Khan, poet Yazdani Quraishy Kajol, Neamul Kabir Sajal and Nazib Ashraf addressed the programme, among others.

Later, they also submitted a memorandum to the divisional commissioner of Mymensingh to place their demands on record.