Protests in Bangladesh against radicals demanding new anthem and flag

Amid controversy over Bangladesh's national anthem, a leading cultural organisation - Udichi Shilpi Gosthi - on Friday organised a nationwide protest against radicals demanding a new anthem and flag.

In Dhaka, Udichi members and some other cultural organisations protested by singing the national anthem - written by Rabindranath Tagore.

Speakers at the event said they will not tolerate any conspiracy against the country's national anthem. They also promised a united front against all malicious forces if such attempts are made.


Udichi president professor Badiur Rahman said: "The 1971 Liberation War is our greatest pride - and we will protest any conspiracy against it. Our national anthem, national flag is our achievement, which was earned in exchange of the blood and sacrifice of our millions of martyrs. This glorious achievement cannot be tarnished in any way, and whenever we see any conspiracy against our Liberation War, national flag and national anthem, we will raise our voice and protest."

The recent controversy was sparked on Tuesday when Abdullahil Aman Azmi, son of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's former Amir, Ghulam Azam, demanded a new national anthem via a virtual press conference. Azam had refused to accept Bangladesh's independence and had helped Pakistan Army set up paramilitary units in the erstwhile East Pakistan in 1971.