Concert held in Brahmanbaria despite Qawmi students' opposition, crowds throng

A concert was held in Brahmanbaria after the venue was changed following objections from the Qawmi Student Unity Council over organising the event at Brahmanbaria Government College. The concert, featuring the band 'Highway', was held on the college's south campus on Monday afternoon. Crowds thronged the event, with hundreds of college students and young people from surrounding areas taking part. The programme ended peacefully.

Earlier, preparations had been made to organise a concert as part of the college's freshers' reception. However, the Qawmi Student Unity Council submitted a memorandum to Member of Parliament Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shamal and Zila Parishad Administrator Sirajul Islam demanding the cancellation of the concert.

Last Saturday, a meeting was held between college authorities and leaders of the Qawmi Student Unity Council at the MP's residence. Following the meeting, it was decided that the freshers' reception, discussion meeting and tree-planting programme would be held on the college's main campus, while the cultural programme would be held on the south campus.

In their memorandum, the Qawmi Student Unity Council stated that Brahmanbaria is historically a region associated with Islam, knowledge, scholars and religious values. While freshers' receptions and festivals at educational institutions are normal, they should not conflict with the educational environment, social discipline, public safety, and local religious and social values.

The memorandum also highlighted various past incidents centring on concerts and cultural programmes in Brahmanbaria.

Brahmanbaria Government College Vice-Principal Mosharraf Hossain said preparations were underway to hold the freshers' reception and cultural programme in the field next to the main building. The field does not belong to the college but to Niaz Mohammad High School, located on the same premises. Following objections from the Qawmi Student Unity Council over holding the event there, the venue was changed. The cultural programme was subsequently organised on the college's south campus.

The event was attended by Khaled Hossain Mahbub Shamal, MP and President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Commerce, as chief guest. Special guests included Zila Parishad Administrator Sirajul Islam, senior BNP leader Zahirul Haque Khokon and former mayor Hafizur Rahman Molla Kachi. The event was presided over by college Principal AKM Obaidul Haque.

District Chhatra Dal Member Secretary and Brahmanbaria Government College student Samir Chakraborty said Brahmanbaria is the birthplace of legendary musician Ustad Alauddin Khan and is known as the cultural capital of Bangladesh. The dispute over the concert was resolved through discussion.