Indian author Arundhati Roy’s talk was held at a new venue after the permission for the pre-determined venue (Krishibid Institute) was withdrawn by DMP late last night, Chobi Mela authorities confirmed in a Facebook post.

The new venue for the talk was on the 10th floor of Midas Centre on Road 16 (New), (Old) road 27 in Dhanmondi area of the capital, Chhobi Mela said in its post this afternoon.

The talk titled ‘Utmost Everything ---Arundhati Roy in conversation with Shahidul Alam’ started around 6:00pm.

Earlier, Chobi Mela, in a Facebook post at 2:15am today, informed that Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) withdrew their permission for “unavoidable circumstances”.

Asked why the programme was cancelled, Mazharul Islam, officer-in-charge of Tejgaon Police Station, said he got an order that due to unavoidable circumstances the permission could not be given.

Here is the latest and full Facebook post by Chobi Mela in this regard:

“You will probably be aware that permission to hold Arundhati Roy’s talk at the pre-determined venue (Krishibid Institute) was withdrawn late last night. After massive juggling and a lot of help from friends, we have been able to obtain a new venue. The talk will go on and the previous registration holds. Thanks to all the people who rallied in our support.

We have made these arrangements with great difficulty and need you to help, so we can handle things better. Please do not make unreasonable requests or bring bags or other large items. There will be no signings and no Q&A or selfies. We will video the entire event and make the video publicly available, so please be considerate and don’t block people’s view with your mobile phone. Arundhati has specifically requested that there be no livestreaming.

Utmost Everything

Arundhati Roy in conversation with Shahidul Alam

6:00 pm (please come an hour early). Tuesday 5th March 2019

In new venue: Midas Centre 10th floor

House 5, Road 16 (New). Old road 27

Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209

Old registration holds. Please bring printout of your registration.”