A video clip circulating on social media has sparked controversy, allegedly showing a group of Muslim youths performing at a Durga Puja event in Chittagong. The video gained further attention when a Hindu priest from West Bengal claimed that the group was singing an Islamic song at the Puja Mandap, portraying this as an act of religious imposition. Such a serious allegation prompted South Asian Minority Watch to investigate the matter to uncover the truth and ensure appropriate actions would be taken if any wrongdoing was found.
Upon thorough investigation, it was revealed that the event in question was, in fact, a display of communal harmony, not religious coercion. The Muslim performers were invited by a member of the Puja organizing committee to participate in the event. Contrary to the claims circulating online, no Islamic song was sung at the Puja Mandap. Instead, the performers chose to sing a song by the renowned Bengali folk singer Shah Abdul Karim, celebrated for his works that promote Hindu-Muslim unity. The song, Ki Shundor Din Kataitam (“Oh, What Beautiful Days We Spent”), was well-received by the audience, who appreciated the sentiment of unity and solidarity it conveyed.
Our investigation further revealed that in a separate video, the performers sang another song that, while perhaps not entirely suited to the occasion, carried a message of interfaith justice. The song included the lines: “If a Muslim commits injustice against someone of another faith, on the Day of Judgment, the Prophet himself will stand against him.” This highlights the performers’ intent to select songs that emphasize peace and harmony, even across religious divides.
Despite there being no evidence of any wrongdoing or coercion, the incident has been misrepresented by certain vested interests as an example of minority oppression. These claims are baseless and misleading. However, in response to the controversy, the Puja Committee chose to dismiss the individual responsible for inviting the performers. Additionally, the Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner has stated that those responsible for this incident would be held accountable, though no crime was committed.
In conclusion, what was intended as a gesture of communal unity has unfortunately been manipulated by certain groups for divisive purposes. The investigation has made it clear that the event was a well-intentioned attempt to foster interfaith solidarity, and any claims to the contrary are without merit.
