Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, a long-standing cultural organization known for its progressive stance, is facing a severe internal crisis following a controversial caricature of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina displayed on March 25 during Genocide Day events near the Central Shaheed Minar. The artwork, portraying Hasina in a demonic form, sparked outrage among pro-Hasina leftists, journalists, and activists, who accused the organizers of engaging in anti-state activities. The dispute has deepened existing divisions within Udichi, which now operates under two rival committees.

Founded in 1968 by Satyen Sen and Ronesh Dasgupta, Udichi has often been accused of promoting Indian cultural influence and Islamophobia under the banner of progressivism. Critics claim the group failed to resist state repression during Hasina’s rule and alienated the majority by undermining religious values. The organization’s leadership remains split between factions led by Mahmud Selim–Amit Ranjan Dey and Habibul Alam–Jamshed Anwar Tapon, each accusing the other of deviation from Udichi’s original ideals.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Udichi’s fragmentation reflects the decline of India-aligned cultural politics in Bangladesh, as public sentiment shifts against imported ideological narratives.