'We want to sing without fear': Chhayanaut president

Chhayanaut President Dr Sarwar Ali has said the organisation wants to hear words of reassurance from society – that they may sing without fear, that all forms of cultural expression may continue unhindered and that Bengalis may live their lives free from anxiety.

Speaking this morning (14 April) at a Pahela Baishakh celebration ceremony at Ramna Batamul in the capital, he said opposing forces are attempting to intimidate peace-loving people and drive them away from music.

Sarwar said such elements aim to divide society from the deep-rooted traditions and heritage of Bengali music.

He continued, "[Bengali] New Year celebrations were held peacefully at Ramna Batamul last year and the Victory Day programme was organised at the open stage on 16 December. However, just two days later, in the dead of night, the Chhayanaut Cultural Centre was vandalised, leaving behind broken harmoniums, tablas and tanpuras, while children's books at Nalanda were found torn apart – leaving behind deeply distressing memories."

"That very night, two leading newspaper offices were set on fire. The following day, Udichi was attacked. A few days ago, several Baul artistes were humiliated. These incidents revive memories of the horrible tragedy that took place at Ramna Batamul in 2001," he added.

Sarwar said intolerance has already increased in society, along with the risk of collective harassment for expressing one's views.

Referring to global developments, he said Persian civilisation today faces a catastrophic crisis under US-Israeli aggression, leaving the world shaken and fearful.