Assam Government Pursues Treason Charges Over Bangladesh Anthem Controversy in Sribhumi

Guwahati:

A significant political controversy has erupted in Assam over a district-level Congress leader's recitation of Bangladesh's national anthem, with state authorities now pursuing legal action for what they describe as promotion of foreign narratives.

According to sources, the Congress leadership in Sribhumi district may face treason charges after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma instructed Assam Police to take firm action regarding the incident.

The Congress has responded by accusing the BJP of manufacturing an "unnecessary controversy" to divert public attention from other issues.

'Amar Sonar Bangla', composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905, was originally written as a symbol of unity against Bengal's first partition, which was later reversed in 1911. The composition celebrates Bengal's natural beauty and the profound connection between Bengali people and their homeland, and is frequently performed at various Bengali cultural events. Bangladesh adopted this song as its national anthem following independence in 1971.

The recitation occurred when Bidhu Bhusan Das, an 80-year-old district Congress member, performed the Tagore composition at a party gathering in Sribhumi, an area bordering Bangladesh within the predominantly Bengali Barak Valley region.

The BJP reacted strongly, with Chief Minister Sarma interpreting the performance as endorsement of claims by certain Bangladeshi figures that India's Northeast legitimately belongs to Bangladesh.

"Performing Bangladesh's national anthem instead of India's in Sribhumi demonstrates blatant disrespect toward Indian citizens and our national anthem. This aligns with recent assertions from various Bangladeshi individuals suggesting the Northeast will eventually become part of Bangladesh. We view the Congress district committee's recitation of Bangladesh's anthem as supporting this claim," Sarma told reporters.

The Chief Minister, characterizing such behavior as "anti-national activity" that cannot be permitted, confirmed he has directed Assam Police to file a case against Sribhumi's District Congress Committee under appropriate legal provisions and to implement immediate and stringent measures.

Gaurav Gogoi, Assam Congress president, defended the recitation, emphasizing that 'Amar Sonar Bangla' is a Tagore composition expressing Bengali sentiment and culture.

"The BJP consistently disrespects Bengali language, culture, and people. Their recent actions further demonstrate their ignorance regarding Bengal's rich heritage, Rabindranath Tagore's legacy, and his philosophy. Bengali people across the country recognize that the BJP merely seeks their votes while showing no genuine interest in understanding their culture, language, or sentiments," the senior Congress leader stated.

This controversy emerges during a critical period in India-Bangladesh relations, which have deteriorated following last year's regime change in Dhaka. Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina currently resides in exile in India.

Bangladesh's shifting political landscape includes growing alignment with Pakistan. Recently, Bangladesh's interim government Chief Advisor and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus met with Pakistan's Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, presenting him with a book featuring a Bangladesh map that incorporated portions of India's Northeastern states.