The situation prompted the organisers of various cultural events to postpone all the shows scheduled for yesterday evening.

Only a few theatregoers turned up at the Mahila Samity Auditorium to enjoy a drama titled 'Bhuboner Ghate', a production of Nattyajan, but they had to return without watching the play.

Tabibul Islam Babu, the chief of Nattyajan, said, "We have postponed our anniversary programme, including the performance of the play, because of the bomb panic. However, we will arrange it later."

Jionkathi, a cultural organisation, also cancelled a solo performance by Ferdausi Abedin Leena, which was due to take place at the Experimental Theatre Stage at the Shilpakala Academy.

"We don't like to take any risk at such a moment. We had received bomb threats in February when several bomb attacks on cultural activities at the district level took place. That is why we are discouraging the theatre groups to host any show today," said an official of the Academy, seeking anonymity.

The Nritya Nandan was due to hold a discussion programme and dance show at the WVA Auditorium at Dhanmondi, but the bomb panic led to the postponement of the show.

Sharmila Bandapadhyaya, director of Nrittya Nandan, said, "We have stopped the programme in view of the security situation."

A photo exhibition titled 'Russia: Country and People' was going on at the Russian Cultural Centre in the city, but no visitors turned up yesterday.

However, the cultural activists are determined to carry on their activities amidst all odds.

Mamunur Rashid, chairman of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, said, "We will not quit theatre activities. Rather, we will be more careful about security during the show."

"The Federation has its own metal detectors and we will instruct the member groups to search the audience with metal detector at the gate of the auditorium. In addition, we will urge the government to provide security for the audience as well as the cultural activists."