ASK condemns ban on cinema in Brahmanbaria, Baul songs in Netrokona

The Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the ban on screening of the film 'Bonolota Express' in Brahmanbaria and the pressure exerted to stop a pre-scheduled Baul song event in Madan Upazila of Netrokona. The organization made this response in a statement sent to the media on Tuesday (June 2).

In the statement, ASK said that such incidents amount to a direct interference in cultural freedom and the fundamental rights of citizens. According to the organization, according to Articles 27, 28 and 39 of the Constitution, all citizens are equal before the law and freedom of thought, conscience and expression is protected; cultural and artistic and literary practice is an integral part of this right. In addition, Articles 19 and 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) also guarantee the right to expression, peaceful assembly and participation in cultural life, the statement said. Therefore, ASK believes that there is no room for any group or pressure to curtail these recognized rights.

The organization said that it is the constitutional responsibility of the state to protect the cultural and expression rights of all citizens. ASK also believes that the active and neutral role of state institutions is essential to ensure that no individual, group or ideological pressure can bypass the rule of law and hinder public cultural activities.

The statement further said that although dissent or criticism of cultural events or artistic practices is a democratic right, it is unacceptable to stop any legitimate cultural activity through intimidation, pressure or illegal influence. The organization warned that such a trend weakens the cultural tolerance, pluralism and democratic values ​​of society in the long run.

The Law and Arbitration Center has called on the relevant government authorities to take effective and exemplary measures to ensure the security of every cultural event and prevent such incidents in the future.