Brahmanbaria Organizers Face Backlash Over Promotion of Bonolota Express Exhibition
Photo Collected
An effort to host a public screening of the film “Banalata Express” in Brahmanbaria has faced significant backlash, with a local student group campaigning on social media to halt the event. The screening, organized by the Brahmanbaria Film Society, was scheduled for Saturday as part of an ongoing project to promote cinema culture in the district.
The Brahmanbaria Film Society, a student-led organization, has been hosting regular film screenings under the banner “Bhatghumer Cinema Adda” for the past year. Having previously showcased notable works such as “Matir Moyna,” “Srabon Megher Din,” and “The Lunchbox” at various educational institutions, the organizers sought to continue this tradition at the historic Annada Government High School.
However, the event has drawn sharp opposition from the Kawmi Chhatra Oikya Parishad. Critics of the screening have taken to social media, including posting images of the film’s promotional materials marked with red crosses, calling for an immediate end to such activities. Members of the group have cited concerns over maintaining the district’s religious and social environment, with some representatives suggesting that the district should remain free of cinematic venues to prevent perceived moral degradation.
The opposition has significantly disrupted the organizers’ plans. According to society members, the school authorities withdrew their permission to host the event following the online pressure. Attempts to relocate the screening to the district’s Shilpakala Academy or the Alauddin Sangeetangon proved unsuccessful, as both venues are closed for the Eid-ul-Adha holiday.
Tawja Khondokar, a student and member of the film society, confirmed that the organizers had secured prior permission from both director Tanim Noor and the administration of Annada Government High School. Despite the setbacks, the society remains determined to find a resolution that would allow the screening to proceed.
Local authorities and religious leaders have acknowledged the situation. Maulana Ali Azam, general secretary of the local Hefazat-e-Islam chapter, stated that he has called for a meeting with the students to understand their grievances before commenting on the matter. Meanwhile, Additional District Administrator Ranjan Chandra Dey noted that his office has not received any formal request for the event, adding that he was not briefed on the organizers’ attempts to secure a venue. As of press time, the acting headmistress of Annada Government High School could not be reached for comment.
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