West Bengal singer-songwriter Kabir Suman’s recent Facebook statues regarding Felani hanging at the border created a buzz among his fans.

Recently, a debate sparked by a poem written by West Bengal poet, lyricist, and filmmaker Srijato Bandopadhyay has drawn Suman's attention. 

Later, without naming anyone, Suman posted on Facebook: “When Felani was hanging from the barbed wire fence at the border, whose honour was being disrespected then?”

Though he did not directly mention Srijato, many believe the comment pointed at him. Several followers expressed this interpretation in the comments section of the post.

Suman’s other Facebook posts have also sparked discussions. In one, he criticized how larger countries often perceive themselves as guardians of their smaller neighbors. 

He wrote: “Larger countries think they are guardians of smaller neighboring nations. The US thinks it’s the elder brother of Cuba and Haiti. It even considers Puerto Rico an elder brother-like state. India considers itself the guardian of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.”

In another post, Suman declared: “You keep fighting over religion and politics. I am in love, and I will continue to love.”

Suman has also used his art to express solidarity with movements in Bangladesh. 

On August 5, following calls for Sheikh Hasina's government to step down, he composed a song inspired by Bangladesh’s anti-discrimination movement. 

The lyrics include: “This light of freedom, Bangladesh has ignited, this fight is a song of liberation.” He later shared a video of himself singing the song on Facebook.

BDST: 1517 HRS, DEC 01, 2024
MSK/SMS