‘As long as I’m responsible for this area, waz will be held, kirtan will continue, and baul songs will be performed’

Brahmanbaria‑2 (Sarail‑Ashuganj) MP Barrister Rumeen Farhana has said that any obstruction to shrine‑based cultural practices in her constituency won't be tolerated.

She made the remark Thursday night while inaugurating the 58th memorial programme and annual urs of Abdul Qadir Shah (RA) at Dagorisar intersection in Ashuganj upazila of Brahmanbaria.

The event was organised by the Abdul Qadir Shah Library and presided over by adviser Ataur Rahman Babul.  

“As long as I am responsible for this area, waz will be held, kirtan will continue, and baul songs will be performed,” she said.

The MP said that over 18 months under the interim government, shrines were vandalised, baul performances were obstructed, and artistes were harassed or jailed.

“I do not know whether other politicians have protested this. But I have protested every single incident of shrine demolition,” she added, noting that a baul performance in Sylhet was attacked right after Eid‑ul‑Fitr.  

Emphasising cultural preservation, Rumeen Farhana said it is a collective responsibility to uphold Bangladesh’s traditions and pass them on to future generations.

“Those associated with baul songs and shrines are part of our cultural identity,” she said.