The Sunamganj district unit of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi has strongly condemned the local administration’s decision to deny permission for its traditional Pahela Baishakh celebrations.
For nearly two decades, the organisation has been the primary host of the Bengali New Year celebrations in Sunamganj, a tradition that has remained unbroken regardless of the prevailing political environment.
Since 1415 BS, these events have been held at the Sunamganj Heritage Museum premises, formerly known as the Puratan Court Chattar.
According to a press release signed by the unit’s President Shila Roy and General Secretary Zahir Uddin, an application for permission was submitted to the district administration on 8 April.
However, the deputy commissioner reportedly requested a list of songs and other performances to be submitted for approval.
The executive committee of Udichi decided that, as an independent and people-oriented cultural organisation, they were not obliged to provide such a list to the administration. Consequently, they sought to host an alternative programme at River View Bottola.
In an unprecedented move, the additional deputy commissioner informed the organisers via telephone on the eve of the festival that Udichi would not be permitted to hold the celebration at any location within Sunamganj town.
The Udichi Central Council and the local unit expressed deep concern, describing the administration’s behaviour as a threat to free cultural practice and a departure from years of cooperation.
They noted that the district administration had never previously attempted to obstruct their celebrations.
Despite the restrictions, the organisation stated it would not step back from its cultural responsibilities and remained committed to its movement for the masses. The Central Council has demanded that all necessary measures be taken to ensure Udichi can conduct its New Year celebrations without further interference.
