The much-anticipated event, *July 36: Festival of Freedom*, scheduled for Friday, August 15, at Rajshahi University (RU) has been disrupted after the popular music band Artsyl announced their withdrawal due to threats from the banned RU Chhatra League General Secretary, Asadullah Hil Galib.
On Thursday, August 14, a screenshot of an email sent by Galib to Artsyl surfaced and went viral on social media. In the email, written in English, Galib stated that August 15 is observed as a day of mourning and respect for the assassination of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and his family, not as a day for celebrations. He criticized the concert titled *July 36: Festival of Freedom* as an insult to National Mourning Day and an act of disrespect toward Bangabandhu.
In the email, Galib issued a stern warning, stating, “If the event is not canceled, the social and organizational backlash will be severe, and it will be difficult for the organizers to handle. ‘Bangabandhu’s soldiers’ respond to such disrespect on the streets.”
Later that night, around 1 a.m. on Thursday, Artsyl announced on their verified Facebook page, “Due to unavoidable circumstances, we will not be participating in the Rajshahi University concert on August 15.”
Following Artsyl’s decision, Galib expressed gratitude on his Facebook account, stating, “Your decision reflects respect for National Mourning Day and the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”
Salahuddin Ammar, a member and former coordinator of the *Festival of Freedom* organizing committee, commented on the situation, saying, “They canceled the program without any discussion. We had finalized the second date after consultations with them. Artsyl will definitely have to compensate for the losses incurred by the entire event.”
Ammar further asserted, “We said the event will take place, and it will. Despite Artsyl’s unprofessional cancellation, two popular bands have stepped in to support us in protest. The event will go on, even without Artsyl.”
Notably, the concert was initially scheduled for August 5. Ammar had sought Tk 7.6 million in funding from various departments and organizations, but the event was postponed after some of these funding letters were leaked, sparking criticism. On Thursday, Ammar announced at a press conference that the event would proceed on Friday, August 15, at the university stadium.
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