What kind of Bangladesh is this?

Musical instruments have always been a companion to humans since ancient times. In times of joy and sorrow, people create melodies. Music has the power to soften the human heart. It is such a magnificent creation that, in a moment, it can unite an individual with the vast universe. This innate attraction to music is evident, as people, even without musical instruments, try to create sound using whatever they have at hand—clay pots, brass, silver, bamboo, wood, or tin. The people of Bangladesh have shown a long-standing love for music, which is why traditional musical instruments are still valued in the country today. Folk songs, an integral part of Bengali culture, are inseparable from instruments such as the dhak, dhol, khol, dugi, nal, kankan, ektara, dotara, sarinda, and the bangla dhol. Music, instruments, and melodies are not just a part of tradition but are also vital to many religious cultures. If such instruments are banned in a village, it can be assumed that a dangerous future awaits Bangladesh.

Such sad news emerged recently. On Tuesday, February 18, a report in the media revealed that in the village of Shoratola, located in the Falsi Union of Harinakundu Upazila, Jhenaidah, a notice had been posted on the village walls for over a week. The notice stated that all types of musical instruments and hawkers were prohibited in the village. Additionally, it prohibited the entry of transgender individuals. Anyone violating these rules would be fined. This decision by the local leaders has caused outrage among the culture-loving people of the district and upazila.

The notice mentions, "Since 95 per cent of the people in our village are educated and there are around 20 government employees or officials, the villagers have come to this decision considering the future of the new generation." At the end of the notice, 18 villagers have signed in support, including local representatives, heads of educational institutions, teachers, imams, and social workers.

The news of banning musical instruments and posting such notices has spread on social media, and many are criticizing the decision. A person on Monday made a post about it on his Facebook account. In the comments section, one person wrote, "Every village and town have the right to individual freedom. A few people acting outside the law cannot decide this." The president of the PaschimPara Jam-e-Mosque Committee in Shoratola village, who signed the notice, explained that previously loud musical instruments were played in the village, which caused problems for sick people, students, women, and children. Additionally, transgender individuals sometimes played loud music and danced, which disturbed people. They, along with hawkers, also extorted extra money from people at times. Therefore, this decision was made.

If musical instruments are played loudly, it can certainly cause problems for many. But does that mean they should be completely banned? Furthermore, it hasn't been clarified whether this rule applies only to hawkers or if it will also affect musicians. From the current situation, it seems that all types of musical instruments have been banned. This could lead to a form of chaos in society. If other villages follow the example of Shoratola, musicians and followers of traditional religions might face problems, as music and musical instruments are integral parts of their cultural and religious practices.

During the 1990 anti-autocracy movement, people were mobilized through street plays and music. In the 2024 student movement, cultural figures played a role as well.. No one can ban musical instruments in a particular area. This is illegal. The administration must take immediate action against this.

We urge the authorities to investigate the situation thoroughly and take appropriate measures. It is also important for a proper investigation to be conducted to find out the facts. We don't want local leaders or seniors to interfere in this matter; we want the administration's intervention. One thing must be kept in mind: our Bangladesh has not become so conservative that musical instruments can be banned from a village on any pretext.