Dhaka, Feb (V7N) – Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui, the Advisor on Cultural Affairs, emphasized the significance of freedom of speech and the role of artists in fostering it during the National Street Drama Festival inauguration. The event took place at the Central Shaheed Minar on Sunday afternoon.

Key Remarks by Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui

Farooqui stated that for the past 15 years, there has been no true freedom of speech, and artists missed an opportunity to play a more significant role in promoting it during this period. He credited the July Uprising for bringing the freedom of speech back and stressed that future leaders must ensure that this freedom is preserved. The Advisor called on artists to highlight the stories of misrule that took place over the last 15 years through street drama, urging artists to use their medium as a tool of expression and protest.

Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan's Contribution

Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, spoke on the impact of street drama as a form of artistic protest, suggesting that it can serve as a powerful means of expressing resistance. He hailed the National Street Drama Festival as a milestone event in the wake of the July Uprising, recognizing its potential to continue pushing the boundaries of creative expression and political commentary.

The event marks a significant moment for the country’s cultural landscape, as it aligns artistic expression with the pursuit of political freedom.