Under Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh was progressing as a secular and progressive nation. However, the government’s downfall came after being caught in a conspiracy led by Islamic fundamentalism. Following this, an interim government under Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus took charge, but in the last three months, the country has been plagued by unrest, causing disruption across various sectors. The law and order situation has worsened, leading to widespread chaos.
One of the most concerning developments is the rise of Islamic extremism in the country. Free thinkers and cultural activists are facing serious threats. Efforts are being made to shut down cultural practices, with those involved in Sufism and Baul traditions constantly subjected to attacks and obstacles.
Recently, 22 art academies in Bangladesh have been attacked, and in the capital, plays were canceled at the National Art Academy, leading to protests by theater workers against fundamentalists. During the concert season, musicians are struggling as concerts are being disrupted, leaving many band members unemployed.
The latest blow to the cultural scene came when extremist groups shut down a music festival dedicated to Lalon Fakir, a humanist and philosopher, in Narayanganj. The festival, titled “Mahati Sadhusangha and Lalon Mela,” was set to take place over two days, but due to objections from local Muslim groups and Islamic parties, the event was canceled.
On November 22-23, the festival was scheduled to be held at the “Muktidham Ashram and Lalon Academy” in the middle of Narsinghpur. Devotees from various parts of the country, including Kushtia, had traveled to Narayanganj for the event. However, the authorities refused to grant permission due to concerns over law and order. This decision has caused anger among Lalon devotees and cultural activists in Narayanganj.
District Administrator Mohammad Mahmudul Haque told the media that local mosque leaders, worshipers, and various Islamic groups raised strong objections to the festival. Following their appeal, the police reported that there were concerns over the law and order situation, which led to the refusal of the festival’s permit.
The Muktidham Ashram and Lalon Academy have hosted this festival every year in Narsinghpur. Preparations had already begun on November 15 with the setting up of tents and other arrangements. However, after protests from Hefazat-e-Islam on the same day, the authorities were pressured to cancel the event. Hefazat’s leader Abdul Awwal called the festival “faith-destroying” and announced that they would stop it. In response, members of Muktidham Ashram and local cultural figures held a human chain protest in front of the Narayanganj Press Club on November 20.
In addition, the annual “Radharamon Lok Sangeet Utsab,” dedicated to the memory of the music maestro Radharaman Dutta, could not be held on an open stage this year due to the fear of Islamic fundamentalists. The event was instead planned online through Radharaman Cultural Center’s Facebook page. This decision has disappointed and hurt the followers and admirers of Radharaman.
Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, progressive thinkers and cultural activists in Bangladesh have been deeply concerned and fearful of the growing influence of fundamentalism. However, the media has remained largely silent on the issue, and many individuals are facing harassment or censorship for speaking out on social media, especially under the strict surveillance of the Yunus government.
