Govt intervention sought to protect Ustad Alauddin Khan Sangeet Angan land

Cultural figures and prominent citizens of Brahmanbaria have demanded immediate government intervention to protect the land of 'Sur Samrat Alauddin Sangeet Angan', associated with the memory of legendary musician Ustad Alauddin Khan.

The demand was raised at a human chain and protest rally organised by the 'Ustad Alauddin Khan Land Protection Committee' at Brahmanbaria Press Club premises on Saturday morning, May 16.

Speakers said Ustad Alauddin Khan purchased the property in 1955 and donated it in 1956 to establish 'Ustad Alauddin Khan Music College', relinquishing his personal ownership. Since independence, the institution has been run with distinction as 'Sur Samrat Alauddin Khan Sangeet Angan'.

The rally alleged that a land-grabbing gang is attempting to illegally seize the institution's land by creating fake documents. Speakers claimed that the arson attacks on the Sangeet Angan in 2016 and 2021 were part of the conspiracy to grab the land.

The institution's students have brought fame to the country's cultural arena both at home and abroad, the speakers noted. They recently earned praise for their human puppet performance in the presence of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the DC Conference and have also achieved success in Japan.

Since the land was donated to the Sangeet Angan in 1956, there is no scope for its subsequent sale or re-donation through inheritance, speakers said. They also demanded the swift implementation of the 'Ustad Alauddin Khan Cultural Complex' project.

The rally was chaired by committee convener and journalist Abdun Noor and conducted by member secretary Zahirul Islam Swapan. Leaders from various political, cultural and social organisations spoke at the event.