Professor Badiur Rahman has demonstrated huge courage by leading a nationwide protest with Udichi during the turbulent period following the August 5 uprising, when a section of people was trying to create controversy over our national anthem. Till death, he remained steadfast in his patriotism and in his commitment to the development of Bengali culture.
The speakers made the remarks during a memorial programme organised by Udichi at the National Press Club in the capital on Friday.
Addressing the event, Dhaka University Professor Syed Azizul Haque said, “When the students were attacked at the beginning of the last year’s uprising, Badiur protested. Again after August 5, 2024 when controversy arose over the national anthem, he led nationwide protest with Udichi. He remained steadfast in his ideals and dedicated his entire life to the development of culture.”
Chayanaut President Sarwar Ali said, “Society and culture go hand in hand. Who comes to power and who leaves is not main issue. It is important to understand what is happening in the depths of society. If we want to reduce negativity among people and ensure social stability, we must give importance to culture.”
General secretary of the Khelaghar Central Committee Pranoy Saha said, “If we want to develop true Bengali culture, we need a movement involving children and youth. Badiur Rahman understood this long ago. So, he worked tirelessly to build these institutions in the first half of his life.”
Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan, vice-president of Charu Cultural Centre, said, “The country is going through a disastrous situation. In times like these, we need idealistic and patriotic individuals like Badiur Rahman. But he left us on July 16. His loss at this critical moment is irreparable.”
The speakers criticised the low budget allocation for the cultural sector.
They said, “The allocation for culture in the national budget is always less than one percent. Policymakers do not understand that increasing spending in this sector will reduce crime and reduce spending on the police. Its return is huge. When society collapses, it is culture we go for recovery.”
The event was presided over by Udichi General Secretary Amit Ranjan Dey while Vice President Mahmud Selim presided over the event.
President of the Bangladesh Communist Party Shah Alam, Jahangirnagar University Professor MM Akash, Bangla Academy Director Tapan Bagchi, Central leader of the Bangladesh Communist Party and the Krishak Samiti Manabendra Deb, Bangladesh Youth Union President Khan Asaduzzaman Masum, Former Udichi General Secretary Rezaul Karim Siddiqui Rana, Udichi’s US Unit leader Zakir Hossain Bacchu and actor Hasan Masud, among others, were present at the event.