Security reasons behind concert cancellation, no intention to obstruct cultural activities: Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman Partho has said that just because a concert or cultural event is cancelled does not mean the government did not cooperate. He said there could be security reasons behind the cancellation of any event, and the government has no intention of obstructing cultural activities.

The minister made these remarks while responding to questions from journalists at a regular press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, August 25, organised to inform about the government's recent activities.

When asked about concerts being stopped in some places, Andaleeve Rahman Partho said, "A concert being cancelled does not mean the government did not cooperate. Perhaps there was a security issue. Many concerts are taking place in Bangladesh. Big concerts are happening."

He said, "We do not have such a mindset that cultural activities are obstructed. We do not share such thoughts."

During this time, Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman also spoke about the current situation regarding the organisation of cultural events. He claimed that the situation has now improved compared to the time of the interim government.

Zahed Ur Rahman said, "We all agree that compared to what happened during the interim government, nothing is happening now. If I compare, where Bangladesh had gone in the post-August 5 period, under this government, it would be an understatement to say significant—it has been a dramatic development."

He added, "It is not that a couple of incidents are not happening."

At the press briefing, the adviser highlighted various recent initiatives and activities of the government. Later, the Information Minister and the adviser responded to various questions from journalists.

Information State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana and Director of the Department of Information Syed Abdal Ahmed were also present on the occasion.