In a show of solidarity with the Bengali language movement initiated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, supporters of East Bengal Football Club have taken to the playground to express their protest. The movement allegedly began in response to reports of migrant labourers from Bengal facing torture in BJP-ruled states.
On the banner it was written in Bengali which raised the question, “Bharat Swadhin kortey sedin porechilam Faansi, Mayer bhasa bolchi boley aajkey Bangladeshi?” (We were hanged that day to bring India’s independence. Are we now Bangladeshis because we speak our mother tongue?)
During the Durand Cup league match between East Bengal FC and Namdhari FC at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday, banners supporting the Bengali language movement were prominently displayed by East Bengal supporters. This is not the first time the club’s fans have used their platform to voice their opinions on social and political issues. Earlier, they had also shown their support against the NRC (National Register of Citizens) by displaying protest banners during a match.
PREVIOUS PROTESTS BY EAST BENGAL SUPPORTERS
East Bengal supporters have a history of using their platform to voice their opinions on social and political issues. In the past, they have organised protests and displayed banners on various issues, showcasing their passion and commitment to causes they care about. The recent display of banners in support of the Bengali language movement is a testament to this.
CONTEXT OF THE BENGALI LANGUAGE MOVEMENT
The Bengali language movement has gained momentum in recent times, particularly after reports emerged of migrant labourers from Bengal facing harassment and torture in other states. The movement seeks to promote and protect the rights of Bengali-speaking people, especially those who are marginalised and vulnerable.
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