Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi has staged a cultural protest through music, poetry, theatre and dance following an incident in which ink was smeared on a portrait of Rabindranath Tagore painted on a wall at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The programme highlighted the importance of Bengali cultural identity, human values, freedom of thought and secularism.
Titled Je Kobi Janatar (The Poet of the People), the event was held at 5 pm on Sunday in front of Tagore’s portrait on the premises of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The programme began with the national anthem. Shibani Bhattacharya, vice-president of Udichi, presided over the event, while the organisation’s central secretary, Azmir Tarek Chowdhury, conducted the programme.
Speaking at the event, Udichi Acting General Secretary Sangeeta Imam said Tagore’s identity extended far beyond his role as a poet. His contributions to the Bengali language and literature, music and artistic expression were closely linked to the development of a secular cultural outlook, she said.
She added that Tagore’s creations had inspired generations to embrace humanity, independent thinking and an appreciation of beauty. She described the act of smearing ink on his portrait as disrespectful to art, literature and the country’s cultural heritage.
Speakers at the programme stressed that responding to the desecration of cultural heritage should go beyond verbal condemnation. They called for greater emphasis on rational thinking, creativity and sustained cultural activities to counter such acts. According to them, Tagore’s literary and artistic works form an important part of Bengali identity.
Artists also conveyed their message through a range of cultural performances. Members of Udichi’s music department performed songs, while its theatre department staged an excerpt from Tagore’s play Bisarjan.
Poetry was recited by Shikha Sengupta, Israt Kakoli, Syeda Ratna and Manisha Majumder. Sujana and Supa Sadia presented dance performances as part of the programme.
The combination of music, poetry, theatre and dance provided a platform for artistic expression as a form of protest. Through their performances, the artists sought to highlight the continuing relevance of Tagore’s works and the humanistic values associated with his literary and artistic legacy.
Rabindranath Tagore remains one of the most influential figures in Bengali literature and culture. His contributions span poetry, songs, plays, short stories and novels, with themes including humanity, nature, independent thought and social life. His song Amar Sonar Bangla serves as the national anthem of Bangladesh.
Through the event, Udichi called for greater respect for cultural heritage and the promotion of humanistic and secular values. The organisers emphasised that preserving Bengali cultural identity requires continued engagement with literature, music, theatre and other creative forms.
The programme conveyed the message that protecting cultural heritage involves not only speaking out against acts of disrespect but also sustaining creative activities that encourage independent thought, tolerance and human values.
