Two factions of Udichi Shilpigosthi marked the organisation’s 58th founding anniversary with separate programmes in Dhaka on Thursday, renewing their pledge to carry forward its progressive cultural movement despite attacks and intimidation.
One faction held its programme at the Central Shaheed Minar, while the other gathered at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). Both events featured discussions and cultural performances, with speakers vowing to continue their struggle against injustice, inequality and communalism.
At the Central Shaheed Minar, the programme opened under the slogan “Firiye Nao Ghatok Kanta, Ebar Ami Golap Nebo”. Baul singer Sheikh Jamal Uddin, popularly known as Tuntun Fakir, hoisted the national flag, while Udichi’s acting president Habibul Alam raised the organisation’s flag. The organisers also honoured Badrul Ahsan Khan and Tajim Sultana.
The discussion brought together Udichi acting president Habibul Alam, Communist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan, National Poetry Council president Mohan Raihan, writer and researcher Zakir Hossain, Sutapa Bedagya, Udichi general secretary Jamshed Anwar Tapan and Dhaka Metropolitan unit general secretary Rumi De. Udichi joint general secretary Iqbalul Haque Khan moderated the session.
Speakers recalled the deadly attacks on Udichi conferences in Jashore and Netrokona, as well as the arson attack on the organisation’s central office on 19 December 2025. They pledged to continue resisting injustice, inequality and communalism.
The cultural segment featured performances by Anannya Laboni Putul, recitation by Mahmudul Hasan and dance by the group Anshi. Tuntun Fakir and young artistes also performed songs.
The other faction organised its programme at the DRU under the slogan “Sangram Shuru Koro Muktir, Din Nei Torko O Juktir”. Artist Anwar Hossain, who designed Udichi’s flag, inaugurated the event. A procession then marched to the National Press Club before returning to the venue.
The programme also featured a seminar marking the centenary of the “Buddhir Mukti Movement”. Udichi acting president Mahmud Selim chaired the session, while Bangla Academy researcher Mamun Siddiqui presented the keynote paper.
Dhaka University professors Kaberi Gayen and MM Akash, along with Udichi’s Dhaka Metropolitan president Professor Ratan Siddiqui, joined the discussion. General secretary Amit Ranjan De moderated the session.
The anniversary celebrations will continue on Friday with a reunion at Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi at 3pm. A musical narrative titled Udichi, Pragotir Padatik will follow at 5pm. Mahmud Selim wrote and directed the production, which will also feature West Bengal singer Aratrika Sinha.
