Mohan Raihan faces stage protest during July Poetry event at Bangla Academy

A poetry recitation programme marking the July Uprising at Bangla Academy descended into chaos on Thursday after poet Mohan Raihan was interrupted while reading a self-composed poem, triggering heated exchanges and slogans inside the venue.

The incident took place at the Poet Shamsur Rahman Seminar Hall, where Mohan Raihan, president of the National Poetry Council, was reciting a poem on the July movement.

During his performance, Ahmed Ishaq, joint convener of the NCP-affiliated labour platform Sramik Shakti, climbed onto the stage, snatched the microphone and declared the poet "unwelcome", accusing him of being "an Awami League collaborator."

Videos of the incident later circulated widely on social media.

Witnesses said Ahmed Ishaq chanted slogans, including "Inquilab Zindabad" and "Awami League collaborators, beware," while Mohan Raihan protested, insisting that the audience be allowed to hear the full poem. "This is not an Awami League poem. You must hear the ending," he said.

The programme was chaired by Bangla Academy Director General Prof. Mohammad Azam, who intervened following the disruption. According to both parties, Mohan Raihan was eventually allowed to complete his recitation.

Speaking after the incident, Mohan Raihan said the poem was in support of the July movement and criticised those who, in his words, were "using July for political gain."

He alleged that a section had deliberately misrepresented the poem as being anti-July, despite its concluding message that "July can never be defeated."

He further said the poem opposed attempts to position the 1971 Liberation War and the July movement against each other, arguing that both hold distinct historical significance and should not be exploited for political purposes.

Ahmed Ishaq acknowledged declaring the poet unwelcome but denied allegations of physical assault. He claimed no one attempted to force Mohan Raihan off the stage and insisted the protest remained limited to expressing opposition.

In a statement, Bangla Academy said around 90 poets participated in the event, which was organised to encourage diverse literary reflections on the July Mass Uprising. Director General Prof. Mohammad Azam said such programmes are intended to create space for multi-dimensional discussion and evaluation of the movement.