A leading cultural organization has strongly condemned the suspension of a scheduled screening of the film Bonolota Express in Brahmanbaria, accusing the administration of bowing to pressure from a religious hardline group.

In a joint statement, Charan Cultural Centre President Nikhil Das and General Secretary Zakir Hossain denounced the decision to halt the screening, which was organized by the Brahmanbaria Film Society and was set to take place on May 30. 

According to the organization, a group identifying itself as the “Qawmi Student Unity Council” launched a campaign against the film using what it described as “false and fabricated allegations,” ultimately leading to the cancellation.

The cultural leaders argued that the decision reflects a troubling trend of yielding to extremist demands and warned that the implications extend far beyond a single film. 

“This is not just about Bonolota Express,” the statement said. “It is a warning sign for all forms of cinema, art, and cultural expression in Bangladesh.”

The statement characterized the incident as part of a broader pattern of attacks on free thought and cultural activities by religious extremists. 

It cited past incidents including the disruption of Baul festivals, attacks on shrines, violence against religious minorities, vandalism of temples, restrictions on women’s sporting events, and assaults on advocates of secular and progressive values.

The organization also recalled the destruction of the museum dedicated to legendary musician Ustad Alauddin Khan in Brahmanbaria, describing it as another example of hostility toward the country’s cultural heritage.

Charan Cultural Centre further alleged that successive governments have, directly or indirectly, enabled the growth of such groups, allowing them to expand their influence and act with increasing confidence.

Calling the forces behind the campaign “religious fascists,” the organization urged citizens, cultural activists, and defenders of democratic values to unite against extremism. 

It stressed that resistance at both the community and national levels is essential to safeguarding freedom of expression and preserving Bangladesh’s cultural and intellectual traditions.

“The defeat of fanaticism is inevitable when confronted by the collective resistance of the people,” the statement concluded.

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