Dhaka Metropolitan Theatre Festival suspended

Despite taking all preparations, the Dhaka Metropolitan Theatre Festival has been suspended due to “threats from a group of individuals”.

The decision was taken due to security concerns, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Theatre Council Convener Thandu Raihan.

He said: "In the face of unforeseen circumstances, we have been forced to announce the postponement of our beloved theatre festival, which we organised with tireless effort and love, in consideration of everyone’s safety."

The festival was scheduled to be inaugurated at 5pm on Saturday at the Mahila Samity auditorium in Dhaka's Natak Sarani. The Liberation War-based play “Payer Awaz Pawa Jay” was scheduled to be staged in the evening. Over the three stages of the festival, 85 theatre groups were scheduled to perform a play each.

The organisers said that a group of people came to the Mahila Samity on Friday evening and raised objections to the festival. They also threatened to attack the festival hall.

Kamal Ahmed, member secretary of the festival organising council, said: “On Friday afternoon, the official in charge of the Bangladesh Mahila Samity informed us that the Ramna Police Station had asked us to cancel the theatre festival over the phone.”

An official at the Mahila Samity said: "There is fear of an attack on the Mahila Samity over this festival. That is why we have informed the organisers of the situation. They have postponed the festival."

Masud Alam, deputy commissioner of the Ramna Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said: “I do not know anything about this.”