ASK condemns cancellation of 'Bonolota Express' screening, Baul music event

Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) expressed deep concern and condemned the cancellation of a film screening in Brahmanbaria and a scheduled Baul music event in Netrakona.

In a press release issued today (2 June), ASK said media reports showed that the screening of the film "Bonolota Express" was stopped in Brahmanbaria, while a pre-scheduled Baul music event in Madan upazila of Netrakona was cancelled under pressure.

ASK said such incidents are a direct interference with cultural freedom and citizens' fundamental rights.

The organisation said Articles 27, 28 and 39 of the Constitution guarantee equality before the law and freedom of thought, conscience, speech and expression, adding that cultural activities and the practice of art and literature are integral to these rights.

ASK also said Bangladesh is part of the international human rights framework, where Articles 19 and 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights clearly protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and the right to take part in cultural life.

"Therefore, there is no scope to curtail these constitutionally and internationally recognised rights under pressure from any group," the statement said.

ASK said it is the constitutional duty of the state to protect the cultural and expressive rights of all citizens.

The organisation said the state must ensure that no individual, group or ideological pressure can bypass the rule of law and obstruct cultural activities in public spaces.

It said state institutions must play an active and impartial role in protecting cultural diversity and freedom of expression.

ASK said disagreement with or criticism of cultural events or artistic practice is a democratic right.

However, stopping any lawful and rights-based cultural activity through intimidation, pressure, campaigns or unlawful influence is unacceptable, it said.

"Such tendencies not only harm individuals or specific events but also weaken cultural tolerance, pluralism and democratic values in the long run," ASK said.

The rights body urged the authorities to ensure security for every cultural event and take effective, visible and exemplary measures to prevent such incidents in future.