Brahmanbaria Film Society postpones screening of 'Banala Express' due to opposition from Qawmi students

The scheduled screening of the popular film 'Banala Express' in Brahmanbaria, known as the capital of culture, is not being held. The organizing organization Brahmanbaria Film Society has announced the postponement of the screening, citing opposition from Qawmi Madrasa students, withdrawal of permission from the school authorities, and non-cooperation from the administration.

The screening of the film was organized at Annada Government High School in the district town on Saturday (May 30) at 3 pm on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. However, when widespread discussion and opposition started on social media surrounding the program, a tense situation arose in the area. Later, on Friday night, the organizers officially announced the decision to postpone the screening.

An announcement made on the Facebook page of Brahmanbaria Film Society said that verbal consent was previously obtained for the use of the school room, but that permission was later withdrawn. In addition, due to lack of necessary cooperation from the administration, it was not possible to organize the program on the scheduled time. However, it was also reported that the exhibition will be organized by determining a new venue and date in the future.

Towaja Khandaker, a member of the organizing organization and a student of Brahmanbaria Government College, said that after obtaining permission to screen the film from director Tanim Noor, discussions were also held with the school authorities. But later, the situation became complicated when some members of the Qawmi Chhatra Oikya Parishad campaigned against it on social media.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Brahmanbaria District Qawmi Chhatra Oikya Parishad, Hafez Nasrullah Muaz, claimed in a post on Facebook that such events should be stopped in the interest of protecting the religious and social environment of Brahmanbaria. He also sought the intervention of the administration in the matter.

However, the acting headmaster of Annada Government High School, Mosammat Sabina Yasmin, claimed that she did not give any formal permission to screen the film. According to her, even though some former students contacted the educational institution about the matter, permission to screen the film was not given.

After the incident, the organizers said they are determined to continue the cultural activities and will take new initiatives to hold the exhibition in the future after discussing with all parties concerned. The incident has generated widespread discussion on social media and the cultural arena.