JK Gaus denies calling for a ban on rural music gatherings, says his remarks concerned obscene performances

GK Gaus, the MP for Habiganj-3 and a BNP whip in parliament, has clarified remarks circulating on social media in which he asked the administration not to approve any village music events in Habiganj.

He maintains that he did not call for village music events to be stopped. Rather, he urged authorities not to permit obscene musical performances and to remain vigilant against drug use, gambling and fighting around such events.

He made the remarks as chief guest at a meeting of the district law and order committee at the Habiganj deputy commissioner’s office on Sunday (8 November) afternoon. Gaus is also an organising secretary of the BNP’s central committee.

Discussing approval for musical performances and other events at the meeting, Gaus said local people did not like village music performances. He said the administration must therefore remain alert to prevent such events at least in his constituency, if not across the district. He also urged authorities to ensure that the events did not lead to fights, clashes or deaths.

A video of his remarks recently circulated on social media, showing him asking authorities not to approve village music events. Asked by The Document amid criticism, Gaus said he had not called for approval to be withheld from village music events. His point, he said, was that obscene musical performances should not be permitted. He also called for vigilance to prevent drug use, gambling and fighting around such events.

Speaking about religious events at the meeting, the whip said waz mahfils became more frequent in the area during winter. Authorities must remain alert to ensure these gatherings did not cause tension or religious discord, he said, asking the relevant authorities to consider this when granting permission.

Gaus also objected to obscenity and gambling under the guise of trade and industrial fairs. He said local businesses were doing well and that he therefore saw no need to set up more shops in open grounds.

He said that although there might be demand for such events in other districts, people in his area did not like them. He formally requested the deputy commissioner to remain vigilant about such events in his constituency.

The Document tried to contact the Habiganj superintendent of police for comment but could not reach him by phone.

Deputy Commissioner Dr GM Sarfaraz, Superintendent of Police Md Tarek Mahmud and officials at various levels of the administration attended the meeting.