Criticising the “conformism” of civil society culture, academics and cultural activists yesterday slammed civil society for its attempt to prevent youths from resisting imperialism.
The views were expressed at the 13th representative council of Bangladesh Lekhok Shibir, inaugurated by litterateur Shawkat Ali, at the RC Majumder Arts Auditorium in Dhaka University.
Speakers at the programme claimed that the “conformist” civil society impedes cultural movements against colonisation and dependency on powerful countries, by keeping the young generation and cultural activists busy in different activities.
Hasibur Rahman, the organisation’s general secretary and also the keynote speaker, said non-government and corporate organisations act to keep the conformists occupied with programmes like Bandhu Shabha, debate competition, reception to meritorious students, anti-tobacco and anti-acid movement, anti-corruption campaign, relief distribution, round table conference, human chain and token hunger strike.
Rahman said imperialism has an adverse effect on national politics and introduces commercialisation in every field, adding that “Imperialism helps spread the civil society culture or conformism.”
Theorist and historian Badruddin Umar said the spread of imperialism can be resisted with political and cultural revolutions through arts and literature.
He also expressed hopes that changes will come soon, as the force of imperialist intrusion was weakening. Author Mohsin Shastrapani also stressed on the need for a national platform – which can strengthen a cultural revolution against imperialism.
Playwright Mannan Hira said protests should be continued by uniting talented and alienated cultural activists.
The event was presided by Bangladesh Lekhok Shibir President Santanu Kaiser, while other speakers included economist Swapan Adnan and filmmaker Sajib Uddin Shaker.
