Bangladesh Short Film Forum has issued a strong denunciation of recent assaults, threats and disruptions targeting Baul singers, folk musicians and cultural workers across the country, describing the incidents as a direct challenge to Bangladesh's cultural freedom.
In its November 24 statement, forum secretary Rakibul Hasan said the events—ranging from cancelled programmes and stage takeovers to intimidation and verbal abuse—reflect a broader attempt to undermine the humanitarian and pluralist foundations of the nation.
According to the forum, the pattern of attacks is no longer limited to isolated confrontations but has taken the shape of a coordinated effort by organised groups. These attempts to shut down performances and impose informal restrictions, the forum argued, constitute a serious breach of constitutional rights and civic freedoms.
The organisation stressed that such incidents must be treated as criminal offences rather than dismissed as "unfortunate events". It urged authorities to register all reported attacks as cases and to ensure that those responsible are swiftly arrested and brought before the judicial process, regardless of their identity or political backing.
The statement further called for clear directives to law-enforcement agencies, instructing them to intervene immediately when extremist groups attempt to disrupt cultural programmes.
The forum also argued that district administrations and local authorities should face accountability for failures to prevent disruptions. It asked the government to publicly disclose where and how oversight failed, particularly in districts where cultural events were halted or performers were threatened. In addition, the forum called for the creation of a permanent national policy to safeguard cultural organisations, artists, researchers and journalists, noting that current protections are inadequate.
The statement placed particular emphasis on the need for state recognition of baul, Lalon and other traditional folk practices as protected heritage. It urged the government to introduce strict legal penalties for any obstruction of these traditions, arguing that heritage protection must extend beyond symbolic acknowledgement.
The forum warned that inaction at this moment would carry long-term consequences. "We stand firmly with every artist under attack," it said. "Protecting culture is not the job of a single organisation—this is the state's duty, the nation's duty. No extremist force will sever Bangladesh's roots. Art and culture are our very existence; guaranteeing their safety is urgent. Future generations will not forgive us if we fail."
Beyond the immediate security threats, the organisation framed the issue as an assault on the core values embedded in Bangladesh's folk traditions. It described Baul, Lalon and other rural musical practices as expressions of freedom, diversity, humanism and equality. Any attack on these traditions, the forum noted, is therefore an attack on the country's cultural identity and historical consciousness.
In closing, the Short Film Forum reiterated that institutional silence risks enabling further violence. "Remaining silent in the face of extremist threats and violence is to enable that violence," it said, urging the state to adopt a clear and firm stance before the situation escalates further.