Whip GK Gaus orders halt to village music events in Habiganj

Parliamentary Whip and Habiganj-3 MP GK Gaus has asked the administration to prevent village music gatherings in his constituency, claiming that local people dislike such events. A video of his remarks has sparked debate and criticism on social media.

Gaus outlined his position at a meeting of the district law and order committee at the Habiganj deputy commissioner’s office on Sunday (November 8) afternoon.

He told the meeting that people in his area did not like village music performances. While it would be good to stop such events across the district, he said, the administration must at least ensure that such music is not performed at village music gatherings, urs observances and other events in his constituency.

He also said more waz and tafsir mahfils would be held in the area during winter. Those concerned must ensure that these religious gatherings do not lead to tension or religious divisions, he said, urging the administration to exercise caution when granting permission for events.

At one point, Gaus said he represented 4.25 lakh voters in his constituency and did not want to see or hear of village music events there. He formally made the request to the deputy commissioner.

The Habiganj-3 parliamentary constituency comprises Habiganj Sadar, Lakhai and Shayestaganj upazilas. Gaus won the seat as the BNP-nominated candidate in the 13th parliamentary election with 1 lakh 42,348 votes.

Objections to trade and industrial fairs

The whip also objected to trade, industrial and other fairs at the meeting. He alleged that obscenity and gambling often took place under the cover of such events and urged the administration to remain vigilant to stop these activities.

When examples of fairs in neighbouring districts were raised, Gaus said people in those areas might want them, but people in his area did not like such events. He also asked the administration not to approve events that could create additional problems in his constituency.

Referring to various law and order problems in the area, including the activities of banned organisations, he said existing problems should be resolved without creating new complications.

Mixed reactions on social media

People from different walks of life reacted after the video of Gaus’s remarks spread on social media on Sunday night. Some criticised his remarks, while others supported prioritising law and order.

In a Facebook post, a person named Robin Chandra pointed out that people who liked music had also voted for Gaus, asking how he had concluded that local people did not like music.

A post from a Facebook account named “My Scope” said an elected representative’s duty was to protect the rights of people from all backgrounds and with all views. It said people should have the opportunity to participate peacefully in events of their choice, whether waz mahfils, village music gatherings or other cultural programmes.

A person named Sahabuddin commented that he had not expected such remarks from an MP. Another, Sukumar Das, questioned the basis for the claim that people in Habiganj did not like music. He said many of those who voted for the MP also liked music.