A scheduled screening of the popular Bangla film “Bonolota Express” in Brahmanbaria has been cancelled following the withdrawal of venue permission and a "lack of administrative support", said the organisers.
The screening was scheduled to be held at Annada Government High School in the town at 3:00pm today as part of the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations. However, organisers announced late last night that it would no longer take place.
In a Facebook statement posted around 11:30pm, Brahmanbaria Film Society said it had initially obtained permission to use classrooms at the school for the screening. The group claimed that the permission was later withdrawn and that administrative non-cooperation also contributed to the cancellation.
The organisers said a new venue and date for the screening would be announced later.
Towza Khandakar, a member of the organisation, said they had received approval from film director Tanim Noor on May 25 to screen the movie. He also claimed that they had received preliminary consent from the head teacher of Annada Government High School.
According to him, members of the Qawmi Chhatra Oikya Parishad later launched a social media campaign demanding that the screening be stopped, which ultimately led to the current situation.
“After the Facebook posts began circulating, the school authorities withdrew permission citing the situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hafeez Nasrullah Moaz, a leader of the Brahmanbaria district unit of Qawmi Chhatra Oikya Parishad, shared a Facebook post featuring a red cross over the promotional card for the screening.
In the post, he wrote: “Brahmanbaria is a city of Islamic scholars. At one time, Allama Fakhre Bangal (R) had succeeded in stopping cinema screenings in this town. But sadly, it is now seen that certain vested groups are once again attempting to revive cinema culture in the town. On behalf of the general students and conscious citizens, we strongly demand that such activities be stopped immediately. We urge the administration to take effective measures so that the religious and social environment of Brahmanbaria remains intact.”
Brahmanbaria Hefazat-e-Islam General Secretary Maulana Ali Azam said he had heard about the issue and would comment after speaking with the students involved.
Meanwhile, acting head teacher of Annada Government High School Mosammat Sabina Yasmin denied giving permission for the screening. She said some former students had approached her regarding the matter, but no approval had been granted.
“There is no question of allowing film screenings at an educational institution,” she said.
Despite the cancellation, Mohaiminul Azbin, an adviser to Brahmanbaria Film Society, said the organisers were still trying to find a way to hold the screening through discussions with relevant parties.
