2 granted bail over performing Islamic song at Ctg Puja mandap
A Chattogram court has granted bail to two members of the Chattogram Cultural Academy who were arrested over hurting religious sentiments with a performance of an Islamic song at a Durga Puja mandap.
The accused, Shahidul Karim and Nurul Islam, both madrasa teachers, were released on bail following a hearing on Tuesday (15 October).
Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Kazi Shariful Islam released the accused madrasa teachers Shahidul Karim and Nurul Islam on bail on Tuesday (15 October), following a hearing.
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City Police Deputy Commissioner (Prosecution) AM Humayun Kabir confirmed the matter. Both the plaintiff's and defence lawyers were present at the hearing.
Earlier on Monday, a remand hearing for them became heated due to arguments between the lawyers of the plaintiff and the defence. Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Md Alliullah rejected the remand application after hearing both sides.
The arrests were made on Thursday night when the police conducted raids in different areas of the city.
On Friday, Sukanta Bikas Mahajan, finance secretary of the Mahanagar Puja Committee, filed a case at the city's Kotwali Police Station.
The case named seven people as accused, including Sajal Dutta, a former joint secretary of the Puja Committee, as well as members of the Chittagong Cultural Academy: Shahidul Karim, Nurul Islam, Abdullah Iqbal, Md. Rony, Golam Mustafa, and Md. Mamun.
According to the case statement, the Mahanagar Puja Udyapan Committee organised a cultural programme on the premises of JM Sen Hall during the Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations.
Sajal Dutta, who has since been expelled from the committee, invited a group of artists from the Chattogram Cultural Academy to perform at the event.
During the performance, two songs were performed, one of which allegedly offended the religious sentiments of some people. Despite the controversy, the Puja Committee did not halt the music, prioritising communal harmony.
Eyewitnesses reported that six members of the Chattogram Cultural Academy performed the songs, one of which was titled "Shudhu Musalmaner Lagi Aseniko Islam," sparking a backlash.
After a video was posted on social media, the incident garnered widespread criticism.
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam visited the puja mandap on the night of the incident and said those involved would be arrested within 48 hours.
