Shilpakala Academy suspended all programmes ‘indefinitely’

The decision follows attacks on Chhayanaut premises and the offices of two national dailies

All programmes and exhibitions at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy have been suspended indefinitely amid security concerns following recent attacks on cultural and media institutions.

Deepak Kumar Goswami, director of the academy’s theatre and film department, told bdnews24.com on Friday that all activities had been put on hold for “unavoidable reasons” until further instructions.

Several academy officials also confirm the move following attacks on Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and Dhanmondi's Chhayanaut premises, with authorities citing heightened security risks.

They said activities may resume from Saturday if the situation returns to normal, though they warned that reopening could also be delayed depending on developments.

The suspension has already affected scheduled theatre performances.

Theatre group Obolokon had premiered its new production “Gandhasutra” on Thursday evening at the Studio Theatre auditorium of the National Theatre Hall.

A second show was scheduled for Friday evening at the same venue, but it was cancelled after the academy suspended auditorium allocations.

Director of the play, Kazi Toufiqul Islam Emon, said the performance had to be called off as the academy remained closed due to the prevailing unrest.

In a Facebook post on Friday morning, Obolokon said it was forced to cancel the show “with deep regret due to the chaotic situation in the country”.

The group also said ticket buyers would be contacted and refunded for advance purchases.