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The University of Dhaka will organise the 'Autumn Festival 1432' on Thursday (October 16) at 3:00 pm at Bakultala on the premises of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
The festival is being arranged with the cooperation of the university's Department of Music, Department of Dance, and the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU).
According to a press release signed by Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, the faculty has been upholding the country's cultural values and artistic heritage since its inception. It has also played an important role in inspiring cultural organisations to promote art, literature, and traditions among the younger generation. Following this practice, the faculty regularly allows different cultural groups to use its premises for festivals and events.
The statement mentioned that, in line with this tradition, the cultural organisation "Satyen Sen Shilpigoshthi" applied for permission to hold the Autumn Festival at Bakultala. Based on their application, the faculty granted them permission to organise the event.
However, on October 9, the "Anti-Fascist Writers, Journalists, and Artists Community" submitted a formal complaint to the Faculty of Fine Arts against "Satyen Sen Shilpigoshthi". They alleged that certain organisers of the event were known associates of fascist ideology.
The press release further noted that the faculty later received documents, photographs, and other information suggesting the organisers had been involved in activities linked to a fascist regime and were known as "cultural fascists."
These allegations sparked outrage among students and cultural activists who had participated in the 2024 mass uprising.
To avoid any untoward incident, the festival was temporarily suspended. A follow-up meeting was held on Saturday ( October 11) at 11:00 am in the office of the dean. The meeting, chaired by the dean and attended by stakeholders, reviewed the allegations and conducted a verification process. The investigation revealed that "Satyen Sen Shilpigoshthi" had concealed several key details while applying for permission.
After examining their controversial activities during the previous fascist regime, the faculty decided to cancel the permission earlier granted for "Autumn Festival 1432".
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