‘Srishtir Shadhinotay Shahoshi Bangladesh’: artists gather in solidarity at Shaheed Minar

Showcasing a united ovation to the resurgence of Bangladesh while demanding accountability across all sectors, and appropriate freedom of expression to build a country of harmony and solidarity - four artistic platforms organized a combined event on Saturday at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital.

All four platforms - The Visual Artistes' Society, Photographer Society, Protesting Theatre Activists, and Get Up and Stand Up (Bangladesh Musical Artists' Society) have been visibly present and raised their voices during the anti-discriminatory student movement separately, and this was the first time the artists, under the banner ‘Srishtir Shadhinotay Shahoshi Bangladesh’ (Brave Bangladesh for Freedom of Art) representing these four units, amalgamated to channel their united expressions.

Standing side-by-side, the artists addressed the recent unrest in a unified statement, stating, "We have overthrown the dictator through a violent, nationwide rebellion spearheaded by our nation's youth. We bear a heavy heart for the martyrs who were ruthlessly murdered during Sheikh Hasina's regime; however, it is regrettable that we still lack a definite death toll and the identities of a large number of those who have passed away during the chaos."

Aside from condemning the violence that followed the revolt, the artists demanded impartial inquiries into the demolition of temples and houses artists and media professionals, museums dedicated to the Liberation War, statues, historical structures, sculptures, and other cultural monuments.

The alliance made a number of demands, including the following: the creation of a memorial (Shaheed Minar) to honour the martyrs; an immediate comprehensive list of all those killed during the anti-discrimination movement; guard of honor funerals for the departed and assistance for the injured; and a thorough investigation and trial of those accountable for the murders.

Envisioning a real inclusive Bangladesh regardless of caste, colour, gender, ethnicity, or religion and asking for support "from the plains to the hills" in this next phase of national transformation while drawing comparisons to the student-led movement that sparked the resurgence of unity, the event was joined by eminent photographer Shahidul Alam, filmmaker Kamar Ahmed Simon, Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, rockstar Probar Ripon, actress Azmeri Haque Badhan, Zakia Bari Mamo, Rafiath Rashid Mithila, Safa Kabir, singer Armeen Musa, Khayam Sanu Sandhi and others.