Fascist allies have infiltrated Bangla Academy, says Cultural Advisor Farooki

Cultural Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooki has raised serious concerns about the current state of the Bangla Academy, claiming that fascist allies have infiltrated the institution, causing a sense of stagnation. 

He announced that the government will soon form a reform committee to address several key issues, including the awards and nomination committees, within the Academy.

Farooki’s comments came on the morning of Saturday, February 1, during the opening of the "National Poetry Festival-2025," hosted by the National Poetry Council at Dhaka University‍‍`s Hakim Chattar. 

The two-day festival is an annual event that brings together poets and literary enthusiasts from across the country.

In his speech, Farooki also clarified a recent rumor, saying, 

“No one has suggested that the government will review books before printing. This is misinformation.” 

He strongly emphasized that there is no government intention to censor textbooks and stressed that the current administration supports free speech. 

“This government believes in the right to express opinions,” he added.

The festival kicked off with an emotional ceremony, where Monowara Begum, the mother of the late Shahid Abu Saeed, raised the national flag and released pigeons into the sky to mark the event‍‍`s beginning. 

The opening was followed by the national anthem, the "Ekush" song (honoring the Language Martyrs), and the song of the July Revolution. 

A procession of poets, writers, and poetry lovers also marched in the area before the event officially started.

The festival’s first day included the opening ceremony, discussions on poetry, and readings and recitations of self-written poems. 

On the second day, attendees can look forward to poetry seminars, more readings, songs, and dance performances. 

The festival also invites poets and writers from around the world, and as in previous years, the National Poetry Council will present awards to distinguished individuals in the world of poetry.