Unwritten restriction on cultural activities?

The auditorium, the only memorial mark of the national poet at RU, is also losing its glamour due to alleged neglect by the authority.

At least 20 cultural organisations including drama and recitation groups, debate clubs, folk song and dance troupes remained inactive as they are not allowed to perform in the auditorium.

Campus sources said, the auditorium remained crowded and wore festive look earlier and cultural groups had to wait for days for booking to stage programmes. Now, it looks barren and rarely seen open.

Talking to this correspondent, some progressive cultural activists alleged that they requested the university authorities to open the auditorium for all the cultural organisations. But the authorities prefer organisations aligned with Islami Chhatra Shibir.

The massive three-storied auditorium building can accommodate 2,404 guests and has several dressing, rehearsal and make up rooms, a broad wide stage, car parking lots and spacious corridors on both sides. The first convocation of the university was held at the auditorium in 1969.

Sources said, a good number of chairs have been damaged. The building was not renovated for several years. Most of the ceiling fans and the sound systems are inoperative. The corridors remained unclean for long, which has now become den of bat and other insects. Chairs and glasses of the first floor windows are also either damaged or broken.

A hasty and partial repair was done for the university's Golden Jubilee celebration in 2003.

Acting director of RU Teachers Student Cultural Center (TSCC) Prof Abdur Rahman Siddiki could not be reached for comment.

Vice-chancellor Prof Altaf Hossain said, the auditorium, which is witness to many historical events, can not be renovated for lack of funds. Funds will be allocated in the current budget for its renovation, he said.

Farhana Rahman, a member of recitation group Shanon said the university can also earn money for its renovation by renting it out to outsiders.

Mahmud, a member of RU Drama Association (RUDA), alleged that the auditorium is mainly used for programmes of Shibir and its cultural outfit Bikalpo Sangskritik Sangstha.

The Progressive Teachers Association (PTA), cultural activists and students' organisations earlier demanded withdrawal of the unwritten restriction and opening its door for all cultural organisations.