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He calls the incident shameful and stresses the importance of peaceful coexistence between India and Bangladesh
Published : 21 Dec 2024, 07:31 PM
Singer and songwriter Kabir Suman has protested against the decision to deny Bangladeshi guests the opportunity to attend the centenary celebration event of the Bengal Library Association in Kolkata in person.
In an audio message released on Friday, the renowned artist, popular in both India and Bangladesh, said: “I feel ashamed. I condemn this act. The students who have done this are in the wrong.
“They have opposed the very spirit and soul of India. They have demeaned India. If they consider India their motherland, they have tarnished its dignity.”
The three-day event began on Friday at the century-old hall of Calcutta University, with four Bangladeshi guests invited by the organizers to attend.
According to the Indian media outlet Ei Samay, “Four delegates travelled from Dhaka to Kolkata with proper visas and passports. They were scheduled to present their research papers on various topics at the event.”
The report said “a section of students had objected to the participation of the Bangladeshi guests. The university authorities claimed to have received information from their sources about a potential disruption on campus, which could not be ruled out.
“As a result, Calcutta University imposed a ban on the physical presence of Bangladeshi delegates at the campus event.”
In his audio message, Suman also cited these media reports. His message was shared on the Facebook page of the media outlet ShantiSetu. In the message, he introduced himself, saying, “Greetings and regards to everyone. My name is Kabir Suman; I live in Kolkata.”
Bengal Library Association’s centenary celebration was held in collaboration with Calcutta University. The event, which began on Friday and runs until Dec 22, featured discussions, seminars, and cultural programmes. Delegates from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were invited to participate.
Suman said: “It seems that in the evening, a group of students approached the vice-chancellor to express their objections, saying that Bangladeshis should not be allowed on campus. One of them is named Roni Ghosh.”
“Roni Ghosh is a leader of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad. The acting vice-chancellor became fearful, worried about protests and disruptions on campus. As a result, the event proceeded without the Bangladeshi delegates physically present. Those who had already arrived were asked to participate virtually from their hotel.”
Protesting the incident, Suman said: “I strongly condemn this. I am 76 years old. I am an Indian citizen and a taxpayer. I feel ashamed to hear this news, and I am also afraid.”
“Bangladesh is a friendly nation and a neighbour to India—an immediate neighbour. Like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh is our direct neighbour. We share a common border, a common language, shared culture, and music.”
He added, “Roni Ghosh, the Trinamool student leader, may have heard the song Amar Shonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobashi somewhere, but I don’t expect him to sing it. If he has heard it, he should know that this is a song by Rabindranath Tagore, which is also the national anthem of Bangladesh.”
ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR JUSTIFIES DECISION AMID PROTESTS
Ei Samay quoted Acting Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University Shanta Dutta as saying, “After receiving objections from students, I sought information from my own sources. Based on my findings, it appeared that some individuals intended to use the presence of Bangladeshi citizens at the event as a pretext to incite protests and disturbances on campus.”
Shanta said, “Initially, we tried to convince the students. But later, we realised that campus security was paramount. We do not want any damage to the campus. Hence, the organisers were instructed to proceed with the event without the participation of Bangladeshi citizens.”
KABIR SUMAN’S RESPONSE
In his audio message, Suman called for peaceful resistance. “I believe a peaceful stand needs to be taken against this. I have nothing more to add. I feel like taking to the streets, but my physical condition does not allow me to.”
“My body is frail. I have to think within many limitations. If my health were even slightly better, or if it improves, I would take to the streets.”
ShantiSetu, which describes itself as a “news bridge” between India and Bangladesh, brings recent news, events, and key issues from both countries. Kabir Suman is one of the main initiators of the platform.
On its website, Suman states the objective of ShantiSetu: “Our goal is to foster understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries.”
