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Monday, Sep 07, 2026
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Bangladesh 'Tolerance' Festival Cancelled Due to Islamist Threats
Security concerns lead to the cancellation of a music festival promoting religious tolerance in Narayanganj
In Bangladesh, a music festival organized by devotees of Lalon Shah, a 17th-century Bengali social reformer and mystic, has been cancelled due to threats from Islamist groups.
The event, known as the 'Tolerance Festival,' was set to take place in the city of Narayanganj.
The festival celebrates a philosophy that integrates elements of Hinduism and Sufism.
It attracted over 10,000 attendees last year and is organized by followers of Lalon Shah's teachings on religious harmony.
The decision to cancel the festival comes amid heightened tensions in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The aftermath has seen increased activities from Islamist groups, including attacks on Hindus and Sufi shrines.
Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahmudul Hoque cited security risks and potential violence as the reasons for denying permission to hold the festival.
He noted that the area is a stronghold for groups with opposing views.
Shah Jalal, the festival's organizer, expressed his dismay at having to cancel the event for the first time.
Abdul Awal, a leader from Hefazat-e-Islam, a coalition of Islamist organizations, led protests against the festival, labeling activities like singing and dancing as indecent and contrary to Islamic principles.
The festival's cancellation has been criticized by cultural activists like Rafiur Rabbi, who view it as a setback for minority voices in the country.
The interim government's cultural affairs advisor, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, emphasized their efforts to stabilize the situation following the political upheaval but acknowledged the challenges posed by the current climate.
The event, known as the 'Tolerance Festival,' was set to take place in the city of Narayanganj.
The festival celebrates a philosophy that integrates elements of Hinduism and Sufism.
It attracted over 10,000 attendees last year and is organized by followers of Lalon Shah's teachings on religious harmony.
The decision to cancel the festival comes amid heightened tensions in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The aftermath has seen increased activities from Islamist groups, including attacks on Hindus and Sufi shrines.
Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahmudul Hoque cited security risks and potential violence as the reasons for denying permission to hold the festival.
He noted that the area is a stronghold for groups with opposing views.
Shah Jalal, the festival's organizer, expressed his dismay at having to cancel the event for the first time.
Abdul Awal, a leader from Hefazat-e-Islam, a coalition of Islamist organizations, led protests against the festival, labeling activities like singing and dancing as indecent and contrary to Islamic principles.
The festival's cancellation has been criticized by cultural activists like Rafiur Rabbi, who view it as a setback for minority voices in the country.
The interim government's cultural affairs advisor, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, emphasized their efforts to stabilize the situation following the political upheaval but acknowledged the challenges posed by the current climate.
