In Sunamganj, there is a complaint that Udichi was not allowed to perform the Baisakh ceremony in the premises of the heritage museum
The members of the Udichi artists' group have complained that they were not allowed to hold the first Baishakh New Year ceremony in the heritage museum premises of Sunamganj town. They claim that the New Year celebrations have been held regularly here for more than a decade, but the administration has not given permission to hold the event this time.
A press release signed by the president of the organization, prominent leader and cultural figure of Sunamganj's women's movement Sheila Roy and general secretary Zahir Uddin on behalf of Udichi informed that not only the museum premises, but also another place in the city was planned to celebrate the New Year, but there too permission was not received from the administration.
In this context, Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj Mohammad Ilyas Mia told Prothom Alo that only the heritage museum premises were not allowed to be used. It is not correct to prevent the ceremony. As there was a government event, they were requested to participate in that event. There is no bar to hold a separate annual celebration.
However, it has been claimed by Udichi that like every year, they had planned the New Year ceremony at Sunamganj Heritage Museum premises. A written permission was sought from the Deputy Commissioner on April 8 in this regard. The Deputy Commissioner verbally said that the list of songs and other performances of the program should be submitted. According to Udichi, as an independent and mass-oriented cultural organization, they are not bound to provide song lists. As a result, an attempt was made to organize an alternative New Year festival at Battala of River View in Ukilpara of the city. But on the day before the first Baisakh, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) said over the phone that all the organizations are participating in the government event, separate events cannot be held.
General Secretary of Udichi Zahir Uddin said, in protest, they held a protest meeting and a short New Year ceremony at Hussain Bakht square in the city on Tuesday morning. Bangladesh Udichi artist group is condemning and protesting against this decision of the administration. Such behavior is hindering free cultural practice.
Source: Prothom Alo Bangla
