Following public backlash over the cancellation of the play Apon Dulal in Kapasia, Gazipur, local authorities have allowed the cultural event to proceed today after resolving misunderstandings between organizers and religious groups.
The drama was initially scheduled for Thursday at the Raniganj Udayan Sangha ground in Durgapur Union, as part of the organization’s 52-year-long annual cultural tradition. However, the event was halted due to opposition from local worshippers, allegedly fearing it would negatively impact society.
Rangpur Imam Azizul Haque and other mosque officials reportedly approached the theatre group on Wednesday night, asking them to cancel the performance. The next morning, decorators dismantled the stage and pavilion, putting the entire event on hold.
The incident sparked significant outrage on social media, with netizens and local residents expressing frustration over what they perceived as undue interference in cultural affairs. The controversy prompted a meeting on Thursday at the Kapasia Upazila Parishad auditorium, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Nurul Amin and attended by both the theatre group and objecting parties.
At the meeting, an agreement was reached to allow the performance to take place on Saturday morning at the original venue. Local BNP leaders later claimed that the issue arose from a misunderstanding and was not meant to offend or suppress cultural expression.
Police also issued a statement via their verified social media page, explaining that internal conflicts between junior and senior BNP members had contributed to the confusion, not religious opposition. They clarified that no formal obstruction had been found upon investigation.
Kapasia Police Officer-in-Charge Md. Abdul Barik confirmed that the drama organizers had resolved the matter peacefully and would proceed with the event today.
The drama Apon Dulal, after days of uncertainty, is finally set to go on stage, marking a win for cultural expression in the region.
LND/BG
