DU revokes permission for Udichi event at Central Shaheed Minar

The University of Dhaka (DU) has withdrawn permission for a cultural programme by a faction of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi at the Central Shaheed Minar, just three days before the scheduled event.

The programme, marking the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising, was scheduled to be held on Friday. However, in a letter sent to the organisation on Tuesday (July 28), the university said the permission had been cancelled due to “unavoidable circumstances” without providing further details.

According to Udichi, the organisation applied on July 22 to use the Central Shaheed Minar premises from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. After receiving approval from the university authorities, it began promoting the event through posters and publicity materials before receiving the cancellation notice on July 28.

The letter, signed by DU Proctor Israfil Ratan, said the event at the Central Shaheed Minar could not go ahead as planned. It added that permission for an alternative venue on the campus could be considered, subject to availability.

Udichi General Secretary Jamshed Anwar Tapan alleged that the permission was revoked under pressure from Planning Adviser Junayed Saki. He claimed leaders of a student organisation affiliated with Saki’s political party contacted Udichi on Tuesday, saying the Ganosamhati Andolan also intended to hold a programme at the Shaheed Minar on the same day.

Tapan said Udichi informed them that it had already obtained official approval and begun publicising the event. He added that an alternative venue, including Manik Mia Avenue, was suggested during the discussion.

According to Tapan, shortly after the matter was referred to senior leaders, the organisation received the university’s cancellation letter.

Describing the decision as a setback for free cultural expression, Tapan said revoking permission without a clear explanation amounted to discriminatory treatment of a cultural organisation. He urged the university to reinstate the permission and allow the programme to proceed as scheduled.