Junaid Babunagari , the Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh chief, while addressing a gathering at Hathazari Parbati High School ground in Chittagong on Friday said, "All statues will be toppled no matter who they represent. We will tear them down."
Some religion based radical platforms led by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh are carrying out a movement to demolish all sculptures in the country which they deem as statues.The Asian Age spoke with a number of prominent artists, sculptors and architects on this issue. Dhali Al Mamoon, artist and professor at the Institute of Fine Arts in University of Chittagong believes,"The politicians are the social architects.
They can shape the mindscape of citizens through their objectives and visions. I think, close inspection and deeper understanding of why such threats are being made is necessary. We need to understand people's mindset and solve problems accordingly; not opt for violence or hatred. People who make such threats must have a political agenda behind it and it needs to be addressed politically."
"The debate between Religious Statues and Sculptures is such a backdated topic, but tragically we still have to deal with it." Says Nasima Haque Mitu , Assistant Professor & Chairman of Department of Sculpture of faculty of Fine Art, university of Dhaka. She adds, "These two things, a statue and a sculpture may share the same root, but a sculpture is a way of creative expression.
Through a sculpture an artist expresses what he or she has in mind. A sculpture does not serve any religious purposes. But the fundamentalists are twisting it and trying to turn ordinary masses against art. That is dangerous. Art; we need to recognize, is an intellectual practice. It is necessary for the advancement of civilization and growth of intellect. Cultural practices have faced difficulties many times but it won't stop artists from creating artworks."
Responding to the recent comments made by the radical religious groups, Sheikh Afzal Hosain, Professor & Chairman Department of Drawing and Painting, Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka told us , "A sculpture is an art form. Artists cannot bow down to the pressures made by any groups, be it religious or any other. What are artists supposed to do but keep creating art? Bangladesh is a secular country; Bangabandhu gave clear instruction to maintain that. They just cannot say what they wish to and expect everyone to listen to that. No way!"
Nasimul Khabir, Assistant Professor, Department of Sculpture of Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka states, "This is the doings of fundamentalist sectarian groups. They have a history of similar behavior. And surely they have a political agenda behind this. Most importantly, these types of behaviors are strictly against our constitution. Our constitution states we are a secular country and no one can use religion for political gain. But they are doing exactly that. So the government should take proper and necessary actions against them."
"The people associated with sculpting and the institutions teaching art and sculpture have clear knowledge on what art and sculpting is. These threats will not affect the artists. But the fundamentalists take the advantage of the fact that general people don't have a clear understanding of what art is."
Iqbal Habib,renowned architect and Member Secretary, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) tells Asian Age, " Sculpture is an art form, to express your solidarity towards your history, heroes and glorious past. Right now it feels like there is a hidden political agenda behind these altercations or so called debate.
He adds,"I believe, religious beliefs get integrated into its society thus shaping how a city or a country looks. But right now, it does not feel like sculptures are the main focus point of this debate. Art and religion is being politicized for power play or negotiations. We need more intellect based cultural and religious discourses and discussions. We must remember to have respect for other's opinion. No amount of arrogance or craziness is acceptable."
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