A controversy has erupted in Chattogram, Bangladesh, after members of a cultural organization performed Islamic songs at a Durga Puja pavilion on Thursday evening. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, has sparked significant criticism and debate. In response, Chattogram District Administrator Farida Khanam visited the site late Thursday night and assured that those involved would be arrested within 48 hours.
The incident took place at the JM Sen Hall in Rahmatganj, Chattogram, around 7:00 PM on Thursday. According to eyewitnesses, six members of the Chattogram Cultural Academy, a cultural organization, performed two songs during the event. One of the songs, titled *“Shudhu Musalmaner Lago Aseniko Islam”* (Islam did not come only for Muslims), has drawn particular attention. Sources indicate that the organization is affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami, a political party with Islamist leanings.
A nearly three-minute video of the performance, which has since gone viral on social media, shows six young men singing on stage. The video also captures several attendees recording the performance on their mobile phones. The authenticity of the video has been confirmed by Rumour Scanner, a fact-checking organization, which stated on its Facebook page that the footage was genuine and not edited.
Cultural Organization’s Response
When contacted, Selim Zaman, President of the Chattogram Cultural Academy, stated that the group had been invited by Sajal Dutta, Joint Secretary of the Puja Udjapan Parishad (Puja Celebration Committee), to perform at the event. Zaman emphasized that the two songs performed were about communal harmony and accused certain individuals of editing the video to spread misinformation.
Puja Udjapan Parishad’s Statement
Sources within the Puja Udjapan Parishad revealed that a dance program was underway when a group of young men approached the stage, claiming they wanted to perform patriotic songs. They sang two songs, thanked the audience, and left the stage. No one attempted to stop them or raise objections during their performance. Sukanta Mohajan, Finance Secretary of the Chattogram Metropolitan Puja Udjapan Parishad, confirmed that the group had sought permission from Sajal Dutta, Joint Secretary of the committee, to perform patriotic songs. However, repeated attempts to contact Dutta for further clarification were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off.
Political Connections and Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported that Dr. Shahadat Hossain, the court-declared Mayor of Chattogram and former Convenor of the city’s BNP unit, and Shahjahan Chowdhury, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Chattogram city unit, were present at the venue during the incident. However, when contacted, Dr. Hossain did not respond to calls, while Chowdhury denied being present at any puja pavilion that day.
Administrative Action
Following the circulation of the video, Chattogram District Administrator Farida Khanam visited the site around 10:30 PM on Thursday. She assured the public that those involved in the incident would be arrested within 24 to 48 hours. She also stated that the Police Commissioner had been instructed to file a case regarding the matter by the end of the night.
Background on the Cultural Organization
Fakhrul Islam, President of the Chattogram North unit of Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, clarified that the Chattogram Cultural Academy is not affiliated with Chhatra Shibir. However, a Jamaat-e-Islami leader confirmed to Prothom Alo that the academy is a cultural organization supported by the party.
Date: October 11, 2024 [1]
