Cultural coalition announces national convention to promote cultural freedom

The Democratic Cultural Coalition will hold a national convention of writers, artistes, cultural activists and civil society representatives on September 11, aiming to promote freedom of expression, ensure a safe environment for cultural activities and strengthen the country’s progressive cultural movement.

The coalition announced the programme at a press briefing held at Udichi’s office in Dhaka today.

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At the briefing, coalition leaders said the platform was formed in 2023 through a joint movement by social and cultural organisations demanding the repeal of the Digital Security Act, now known as the Cyber Security Act. Since then, it has organised various programmes protesting rising living costs and advocating voting rights, freedom of expression and an environment conducive to cultural activities.

The leaders also claimed that cultural activists played a significant role during the July uprising. According to them, protest programmes organised despite the curfew helped reinvigorate the movement and encouraged wider public participation.

Although the previous government had fallen, the coalition said the socio-economic structures that perpetuated inequality and exploitation remained largely unchanged. It alleged that religious extremism, mob violence, disruption of cultural events, repression of Indigenous communities and harassment of women continued, while a truly free environment for the media, free thought and cultural practices had yet to be established.

The organisers said the convention would contribute to a broader social and cultural movement towards building a society free from exploitation and discrimination.

The convention will be held under the slogan “Konthe Moder Kunthabihin Nityo-Kaler Dak” (A Timeless Call in Unfettered Voices). Writers, poets, artistes, literary figures and cultural activists from Dhaka and other districts are expected to attend.

The day-long event will take place at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on September 11. The opening session will begin at 10am on the academy premises, with journalist Nurul Kabir inaugurating the event.

Speakers will include Dipa Dutta, a student leader of the 1969 mass uprising; writer and economist Anu Muhammad; and Baul artiste Abul Sarkar.

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The programme will feature organisational sessions alongside cultural performances.

Convener of the National Convention Preparatory Committee Jamshed Anwar Tapan and Member Secretary Mofizur Rahman Laltu were present at the press briefing.