The Charan Cultural Centre has strongly condemned the suspension of the screening of Banalata Express in Brahmanbaria, alleging that the decision was made under pressure from a fundamentalist group operating under the banner of the so-called “Qawmi Student Unity Council.”
In a joint statement, Central Committee President Nikhil Das and General Secretary Jakir Hossain said the film was scheduled to be screened on Saturday by the Brahmanbaria Film Society, said a press release. They alleged that a fundamentalist group campaigned against the event using what they described as false and misleading claims, ultimately leading to its cancellation.
The leaders criticized the administration’s decision, saying it reflected a surrender to extremist pressure and posed a threat to cultural and artistic activities across the country. They argued that the incident was not isolated but part of a broader effort to restrict cultural expression and free thought.
The statement accused religious extremists of repeatedly targeting cultural events, Baul festivals, shrines, temples, women’s sports, and individuals holding different views. It also recalled the attack on the museum of renowned musician Ustad Alauddin Khan in Brahmanbaria as an example of intolerance toward cultural heritage.
The Charan Cultural Centre further alleged that such groups had expanded their influence under successive governments and continued to operate under different banners.
Calling for unity against extremism, the organization urged citizens, cultural activists, and supporters of democratic values to resist attempts to suppress free expression and cultural activities. The leaders expressed confidence that public resistance would ultimately prevail against intolerance and extremism.