Sylhet: Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki today stated that conspirators would not be able to stand against the united force of the countrymen. ‘None will be able to deter the festive mood prevailing throughout the country to celebrate Bangla New Year with a renewed spirit,’ he said during a meeting with journalists at Sylhet Circuit House.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Adviser Farooki’s visit to Sylhet was cut short following an incident where motifs on Dhaka University premises were set on fire. ‘We want to build a Bangladesh full of festivity, harmony, and unity, but the conspirators don’t want it,’ Farooki remarked. He emphasized that while conspirators aim to disrupt, their strength is insufficient to challenge national unity.
Early today, two motifs titled ‘Portrait of Fascism’ and ‘Dove of Peace’, intended for Pahela Baishakh celebrations, were burnt at Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola). Farooki mentioned that this act was carried out by cohorts of fascists who oppose the ‘July spirit’. He asserted that those against the carrying of such motifs in the rally were behind the incident.
The government has taken a firm stance against these acts, with police already taking action to apprehend the perpetrators. Farooki emphasized that in a fascist-free Bangladesh, all Bangalees, regardless of class and creed, are eager to celebrate the festival with renewed zeal and spirit. The government’s initiative to observe Choitro Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh inclusively might not sit well with everyone.
Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi and Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad were also present at the meeting.