“August 15 suppression an example of constitutional rights violation”

Jatiya Sanskriti Parishad has expressed deep anger and strong protest over the shocking attacks and obstruction faced by ordinary people who came to Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32 to pay tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family on August 15. In a statement, they said this incident is not just a display of political repression but also a blatant violation of human rights, freedom of expression, and constitutional rights.

The statement noted that paying tribute on August 15 is a fundamental right of every citizen. However, at Dhanmondi 32, ordinary people were intimidated, attacked, and obstructed. Prominent artists, writers, poets, journalists, and cultural figures were threatened, insulted, and even had shoes thrown at them for expressing grief and respect. Rickshaw worker Azizul was arrested and jailed on false charges. People across the country faced obstruction and mass arrests while trying to pay respects. Freedom fighters and families of martyrs were humiliated and denied entry, and a Maulana was prevented from offering prayers for the soul of Bangabandhu.

The statement emphasized that these actions clearly violate human rights, democratic rights, and freedom of speech. Attacking artists, working people, and martyr families undermines the dignity of the entire nation. Such humiliation and repression are unacceptable in independent Bangladesh.

Demands of the Jatiya Sanskriti Parishad:

1. Quickly identify those responsible for the attacks and humiliation at Dhanmondi 32 and punish them as an example.

2. Publicly apologize for the attacks and humiliation of artists and cultural figures.

3. Immediately release all innocent people arrested on false charges.

4. Take strict action against those responsible for disrespecting martyr families and freedom fighters.

5. Stop all disgraceful actions that hinder tribute and mourning for Bangabandhu.

6. End all repression on people’s right to express grief, hold gatherings, and speak freely.

The Jatiya Sanskriti Parishad firmly stated that disrespect towards the spirit of the Liberation War and martyr families will never be accepted. Those carrying out repression and human rights violations will remain permanently condemned in history. They called on the people to unite against this repression, attacks, false charges, and mass arrests.

Signatories of the Statement:

The statement was signed by distinguished cultural figures, artists, scholars, writers, journalists, poets, actors, human rights activists, and researchers from Bangladesh and abroad. Key representatives included:

* Bir Muktijoddha Tajul Imam, artist and painter
* Bir Muktijoddha Akhtar Jaman, legal expert, Sweden
* Prof. Dr. A K M Jamal Uddin, Dhaka University
* Dr. Shyamal Kumar Das, USA
* Md. Sadiq Hasan, Norway
* Ishteak Jamil, Norway
* Aminur Rahman, Norway
* Saifullah Mahmud Dulal, poet and writer
* Pushpita Gupta, UK
* Dr. Raihan Rashid, ICSF trustee
* Shelina Afroze Jaman, retired teacher, Sweden
* Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, Dhaka University
* Dr. S M Masum Billah, Jagannath University
* Milton Hasnat, Australia
* Fazlul Bari, Australian journalist
* Aruna Biswas, actress and filmmaker
* Monika Raunak Babli, singer
* Sadika Yasmin Rachana, producer and activist
* Turjo Kazi, freelance artist
* Arjun Manna, editor, nenews.news
* Jasmine Chowdhury, social justice campaigner
* Rana Meher, social worker and political analyst
* Tamal Mahbub, actor and director
* Adiba Jahan, social worker, Dhaka
* Priyanka Elffrost, security engineer
* Dr. Abdul Awal, researcher
* Omar Selim Sher
* Mustafa Kayes Emon, Canada
* Writer Ahmed Monsur
* Poet and playwright Sayem Uddin
* Storyteller Shanezul Islam
* Photojournalist Aminul Islam
* Writer Mahua Bhattacharya
* Writer Nasir Uddin Haider
* Hasan Nasir
* Poet Kaniz Fatema Chowdhury
* Photojournalist Juel Seal
* Zakirul Haque Titon, editor, Khoborwala
* Md. Moniruzzaman, organizer and artist
* Bani Yasmin, editor, Bibarta
* Khondkar Ismail, media personality
* Khorshedul Alam Khoshru, filmmaker
* Anamika Priyavasini, human rights activist
* Mushfiq Gulzar, filmmaker
* Shah Alam Kiran, filmmaker
* Dr. Masud Pathik, poet and filmmaker
* Saimon Sadik, actor
* Toufiq Maruf, senior journalist
* Al Amin Babu, organizer and singer
* Nahar Momtaz, Sweden
* Violet Haldar, editor
* Murad Khan, Netherlands
* Shayla Ahmed Lopa, social worker
* Ferdousi Hasan, social worker
* Dipanwita Roy Martin, journalist
* Tuhin Das, poet, USA
* Saif Sams, engineer, Norway
* Mahbubul Haq, journalist
* Anirban Bhattacharyya, playwright
* Kutub Hilali, poet and editor
* Elbert Khan, filmmaker and activist, India-Bangladesh
* Jamshed Shamim, actor
* Juton Chandra Das, filmmaker
* Poet Kamrul Hasan Badal
* Writer and journalist Riaz Haider Chowdhury
* Poet Emran Chowdhury
* Poet and journalist Shuklal Das
* Writer Nilima Shamim
* Folklore researcher Samsul Arefin
* Poet Shahidul Alim
* Rahman Roni
* Essayist Shoaeb Naeem
* Writer and journalist Rajib Seal
* Journalist Ritik Nayon
* Organizer Zikru Habib Wahed
* Rahul Dash Nayon
* Actor Gazi Gofran

This statement condemned the attacks, intimidation, false arrests, and human rights violations during the August 15 tribute, and called for justice and respect for citizens’ constitutional rights.

Statement Issuers:
The statement was issued by distinguished cultural figures from Bangladesh and abroad, including freedom fighters, artists, teachers, researchers, poets, journalists, writers, actors, and human rights activists (full list attached).

On behalf of the statement, Rokeya Prachy (Convener) and F M Shaheen (Member Secretary) represented the group.