The Brahmanbaria chapter of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi has demanded the arrest of former military officer Abdullahil Aman Azmi for calling for changing the national anthem.
The artists made the demand at a human chain in Brahmanbaria on Friday morning. The national anthem was played during the event.
They also called for him to apologize to the nation.
Brahmanbaria Udichi Shilpigosthi President Jahirul Islam Chowdhury Swapan said: "Our constitution clearly says that the national anthem cannot be changed. This song has emotions, love, pain, and patriotism. Every note of this national anthem, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, carries the sky, the wind, and nature. This song brings tears to our eyes."
He continued: "We have been singing this song even before 1971. Through this song, we fought our Liberation War in 1971. From the Liberation War of 71 to the student movement of 2024, we have respect and love for all democratic movements."
Ferdous Rahman, the organization's general secretary, said: "We are demanding the arrest of Ghulam Azam's son (Abdullahil Aman Azmi) and are calling for the quick withdrawal of his demand to change the national anthem. We also demand that he apologize to the nation."
He added: "The articles of our constitution should remain inviolate. The district Udichi supports the fall of the dictator through the uprising of the students and citizens."
