Shilpakala Academy cancels staging of Teerandaj group’s play

Shilpakala Acedemy has barred Teerandaj group from staging a play in its main hall, accusing the group of hosting political discussions in violation of the Academy’s policies.

A play by the group was scheduled for Wednesday in the Academy’s main hall.

The group also announced to hold a debate before the play. Anu Muhammad, the member secretary of the National Committee to Protect Oil-Gas-Minerals and Power-Ports had been invited to participate.

Anu Muhammad had even reached the venue.

The Academy says the group tried to use the hall for hosting the debate without permission.

Posting on its Facebook page, the Academy reacted to the incident, saying there was no scope for staging any anti-government, anti-national events in the hall.

Shilpakala Academy said such event violated its norms, adding that the group had been “requested” enact the play instead of foisting a discussion.

But Teerandaj chief Deepak Sumon, who, authorities allege, has been pushing his political views at meetings and gatherings, got into an altercation, citing instances of the hall being used by political leaders too.

Shilpakala authorities accused him of trying to forcibly holding a debate, creating a chaos, and threatening Academy functionaries.

Refuting the allegations, Sumon told bdnews24.com that they had not organised any anti-government event.