Police intervenes to stop 'music ban' in a Chapainawabganj village

A village mosque committee in Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila has withdrawn a ban on music and songs that had been in place for nearly two months. The restriction had prevented local imams from officiating weddings at houses where music was played.

The rule was introduced by a self-styled “Samaj Raksha Committee” in Terarshia Poragram village, comprising around 40 families. A notice circulated in the village said the measure was aimed at protecting the environment, youth morality, and family harmony, and described music, songs as 'shirk' or 'bid’ah' (immoral) and, thus, prohibited under Islam.

The notice warned that legal action would be taken against violators, and instructed imams not to officiate weddings or broadcast death announcements from houses where music was played. Banners declaring “music and songs prohibited in the village” were also put up at several locations.

Local resident Rafiqul Islam said the decision was taken collectively by village families. “Music is sometimes played at weddings or events. So we decided that music will not be allowed anymore,” he said. Another resident, Shafiqul Islam, said even hawkers were barred from making announcements using microphones.

The village mosque imam, Abdul Malek Bin Khalilur Rahman, said the move was intended to guide people who have “gone astray” and contribute to societal reform.

“As no more prophets will come, society needs reform. As part of that effort, music was banned in the village,” he said.

Police intervened after learning the ban had no legal basis. Chapainawabganj Additional Superintendent of Police ANM Wasim Firoz said officers visited the area after receiving information and were "looking into the matter".

Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Maruf Afzal Rajon said 8-10 members of the mosque committee, led by the imam, admitted they had imposed the ban without understanding the legal implications. They formally apologised and agreed to withdraw the decision, submitting a written statement to the UNO office.