Chhayanaut calls for fear-free society at Pahela Baishakh celebration

Chhayanaut marked this year’s Pahela Baishakh at Ramna Batamul with a strong call for cultural freedom, tolerance, and fearlessness, using the stage to reflect on rising violence and intolerance.

In his address for the Bengali year 1433, Chhayanaut President Dr Sarwar Ali highlighted a series of disturbing incidents from the past year, warning of growing threats to cultural expression and social harmony.

He said that while last year’s Pahela Baishakh and Victory Day programmes were held peacefully, the situation quickly deteriorated. Within days, cultural spaces came under attack -- musical instruments at Chhayanaut were vandalised, children’s books at Nalanda were torn apart, and newspaper offices were set on fire.

He also cited attacks on the cultural organisation Udichi and the humiliation of Baul artistes, describing these incidents as part of a broader pattern of intolerance.

Recalling the 2001 Ramna Batamul attack, he said such memories continue to haunt the nation, highlighting the vulnerability of cultural gatherings.

Sarwar Ali emphasised that music has always been central to Bengali identity -- a companion in joy and sorrow, and a source of strength during the Liberation War and other struggles for rights.

“Music unites people across religions and communities. Yet there are forces that seek to silence this voice through fear and intimidation,” he said.

He warned that efforts are being made to detach Bangla music from its heritage, while intolerance and the fear of collective harassment for expressing opinions are increasing.

Addressing the global context, he referred to ongoing international conflicts, saying violence and aggression worldwide have created an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty.

On the first morning of the new year, he expressed hope for peace both at home and globally.

“We want a society where journalists can express their views without fear, where people can sing freely, and where all forms of cultural expression can flourish without obstruction,” he said.