Attacks on Hindus, Buddhists a "matter of concern", says Bangladesh Minister

Dhaka, Dec 27: Notwithstanding Bangladesh showing humanitarian concern for Rohingya refugees, the rise of fundamentalist forces and recent attacks on minority Hindus and Buddhists in some parts of the country are a "matter of concern" but the challenges ought to be fought with all vigour, Bangladesh Culture Minister Asaduzzaman Noor has said here. 

"Ei sab amader chintito korey (These attacks on minorities, exploitation of women and children and rise of fundamentalist forces make us concern)," the Minister said on Tuesday night at the inaugural session of five-day long 6th edition of the Bengal Classical Music Festival. The five-day long musical extravaganza is being participated by the legendary artistes from India, Bangladesh and an orchestra team from Kazakasthan. Mr Noor said, "Our Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina) has said that "if necessary we will surrender onetime food" but will help the Rohingyas, but at the same time "o-shubho shakti (disgruntled and unholy elements) are "out to destroy the amity and harmony in this country". "They are killing people in the name of religion......We saw Chittagong tribals coming under attack, Buddhists have been targeted, we saw Santhal tribals being attacked. We saw in Rongpur Hindu localities being attacked. These hyper activities of unholy elements ought to be overcome," he said. "Today, at any cost, we cannot surrender before the communal forces....And in this struggle itself Music will give us strength, I do believe this very strongly," said Mr Noor, a prominent Awami League leader and an actor-turned-politician. Elections are round the corner in Bangladesh. Referring to the classical music bonanza, an annual feature organised by Dhaka-based Bengal Foundation, the Minister said, "This is not merely a festival...it is creating a social consciousness. Young people are enjoying classical music for hours" --- as a large number of people including old and young braved chilly weather and sat pas the mid-night to witness performance of maestros like violinist L Subramaniam and others. Mr Noor asserted that "if this consciousness" is ensured, "Bangladesh will have nothing to fear". "We can have our country march ahead.....that will be the victory of Bangladesh and its people," he said. The mesmerizing composition 'Shanti Priya' by L Subramanian for a joint presentation with Asthana-based Orchestra group in Kazakhstan stole the limelight at the inaugural show on Tuesday night. Sarod by Bangladesh-based Rajrupa Chowdhury in company of tabla player Abhijeet Banerjee from Kolkata was another great show of the inaugural session that went on past mid night. The Bengal Classical Music festival will conclude on Dec 30-31 night with flawless rendition of flute by Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia. Before performing with composer Dr L Subramaniam, the 58-member Astana Symphony Philharmonic Orchestra also presented a fine symphony of western music. Among the Bangladeshi admirers of classical music also included a large number of them who have come from other districts including far off Sylhet and Chittagong and also from abroad. Some said they are are taking advantage of the Christmas season to attend this year's festival.

On the second day of the fest on Wednesday night, Sarodiya Pt Debojyoti Bose will be making his debut at the festival while Pt Ronu Majumdar, whose music is rooted in the Maihar gharana which has musicians of eminence like Pt Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, will perform with his flute. UNI