Revitalize the stagnant cultural arena

After the student movement in France in 1968, there was a cultural wave in the country. Book sales increased by 40 times, and the influence of the student movement was profoundly felt in music, theater, and cinema, covering the entire cultural spectrum. However, in our country, after the recent uprising of the student-public, a contrasting picture is emerging. Publishers report that book sales have significantly dropped, and cultural events seem to be almost nonexistent. During the winter season, various traditional local cultural festivals are usually held throughout Bangladesh, but this year, things are different. According to media reports, the country's cultural arena seems to have fallen into a state of stagnation.

A news report published on Sunday (January19) revealed that at the Chattogram District Shilpakala Academy, there was at least one play staged every month in the past. During various festival seasons, theater festivals and other cultural events were organized. As recently as May, five plays were staged, and in June, four plays. However, since the political shift on August 5, a different scenario has emerged. Not only has the number of plays staged drastically decreased, but other cultural activities have also reduced. From August to December, only four plays have been staged at the Shilpakala Academy, with no plays staged in September, October, and December.

A similar situation is seen in the capital, Dhaka. However, Dhaka is known as the city of festivals. Especially during the winter, there would always be a festival happening somewhere every day. Right now, the Dhaka International Film Festival is ongoing, but the response from the audience has been low. Such a stagnant film festival has never been seen in Dhaka before. Similarly, there is no buzz at the Shilpakala Academy like before. The number of plays staged has decreased, and audiences are unaware of when other festivals are taking place.

Overall, the state of cultural activities and festival events across the country seems to be in a deteriorated condition. The question arises: What is the reason for this? Experts say this is due to several attacks on shrines and homes of Bauls (traditional folk musicians) after the mass uprising, leading to this situation. Additionally, the current government's lack of attention to creating a conducive cultural environment is also contributing to the problem. Some people argue that this is primarily happening because of political instability. Once the political situation stabilizes, the cultural scene will regain its vibrancy. Moreover, university-based art groups, recitation stages, and cultural forums are currently shut down. If these are revived, the cultural atmosphere in the country will return to normal.

However, it is clearly understandable that the country's cultural arena is far from normal. It's not just stagnation and inertia; there is a kind of underlying fear and anxiety. We must investigate the reasons behind this suppressed fear. A nation without cultural pursuits falls into a state of stagnation. Our country has a glorious cultural history, and that history must be revived. For this, the state must take the initiative and step forward, but equally, every individual in society must play a spontaneous role in this effort.