On 30 May 2026, planned public screenings of the government-certified Bangladeshi film Bonolota Express were stopped in Brahmanbaria district following objections from local religious student groups. The first planned screening was organised by the student-led Brahmanbaria Film Society at Annada Government High School in Brahmanbaria town as part of Eid holiday cultural activities. Organisers said the event was cancelled after venue permission was withdrawn and they received a lack of administrative support. Local Qawmi student groups had reportedly campaigned online against the screening, arguing that cinema culture should not be promoted in Brahmanbaria which they described as a place of Islamic scholars. Local authorities referred to social media criticism, sensitivity, and law-and-order concerns while explaining why the screening could not proceed. A second attempted screening in Kasba upazila was also reportedly stopped after administrative intervention.
The incident raises concern over the enabling environment for cultural expression, freedom of expression, association, and civic-cultural organising. The key issue is not merely opposition by non-state actors, but the apparent failure of local authorities to protect lawful cultural activity from organised pressure. This may create a chilling effect on cultural groups, student organisers, artists, and community-based civic initiatives, particularly where activities are opposed by influential local actors.
Civil society reaction has been visible. Ten cultural organisations in Brahmanbaria condemned the halted screenings as a sign of growing intolerance, while Jagannath University Film Society also protested the obstruction. On 1 June, independent MP Rumeen Farhana joined a human chain in Brahmanbaria opposing the suspension and warning against shrinking space for cultural practice.