Qawmi students in Bangladesh demand cancellation of Brahmanbaria college concert

A Qawmi student organization has demanded cancellation of a cultural program planned for Sept. 14 as part of freshman orientation at Brahmanbaria Government College, citing religious values, safety concerns, and previous violence.

Qawmi Chhatra Oikya Parishad submitted memorandums Sept. 11 to Member of Parliament (MP) Khaled Hossain Mahboob and district administrator Serajul Islam.

Group member Fuzael Ahmed Khan said organizers were ignoring concerns after a recent clash over loud music and alleged that a female student had previously faced harassment at an orientation event.

College principal AKM Obaidul Haque said students had not formally contacted college authorities and said scheduled event was a cultural program, not a concert.

On Aug. 18, police and students from a neighboring madrasah clashed after complaints about loud music, leaving more than 20 people injured.