Cultural activities decrease in Bogra

Age-old Titu Auditorium was once the centre of cultural activities in Bogra town. Because of its present precarious condition all kinds of cultural activities were stopped for the last six years. Local cultural activists have been agitating for its reconstruction for the last two years. PHOTO: STAR

They are also demanding repair of the age-old theatre hall, Titu Milonyaton (auditorium).

Once the auditorium, having a capacity to accommodate 1,000 audience, was the hub of cultural activities in the town. At least 16 cultural organisations used to stage drama or cultural activities here regularly six years ago. But now many of them have stopped their activities due to bad shape of the auditorium. Although they are paying rent regularly as lessee, but they are being deprived of required amenities.

At present, there is no water supply or toilet facility in the auditorium, said cultural activists. As there is no boundary wall around the auditorium, the cultural activists feels unsafe to perform in such an insecure atmosphere.

Moreover, the auditorium is now unable to meet the growing demand of audience.

It has been learnt from the Bogra Pourashabha Engineering Department that at least Tk 70 lakh is needed to repair and renovate the hall.

Earlier, the activists of local cultural organisations including Shammilito Sangskitik Jote formed human chains and held meetings on several occasions demanding reconstruction of the hall and ensuring healthy cultural atmosphere in the town for the last two years.

Their demands included improvement of stage facilities in the town, repair of Titu auditorium and reduction in rent of the Bogra Zila School Auditorium. At present, the rent of Bogra Zila School Auditorium has been fixed at Tk 6,000 for one-day performance although it has no air conditioning system.

Roktotika Khelaghar Ashsor president Amzad Hossain Mintu said they will be compelled to stop cultural activities if the rent of the Zila School Auditorium is not revised reasonably.

Ziaul Haque Babla, a prominent cultural organiser, said the cultural activities have decreased to a great extent due to lack of modern theater hall.

Meanwhile, the Bogra Pourashabha authorities issued an order to stop all types of cultural activities at Shahid Khakon Park a few months ago although it was open for all for staging cultural programmes and public meetings during last 35 years.

The open stage in Edward Park is not suitable for staging drama and cultural activities following bomb threats of banned organisations, drama performers and sources in local administration said.