‘You can fight over politics and religion, I only know how to love’: Kabir Suman

Veteran musician Kabir Suman, deeply connected to both Bangladesh and India, has expressed his deep concern over the current strain in relations between the two nations.
Known for speaking out on contemporary issues, the musician is famous for always sharing his honest opinion. Yesterday, he posted a Facebook post hinting at the ongoing conflict without naming anyone. 
 

“You all go ahead and quarrel and fight over religion and politics— I’ll continue to love, and I will keep loving,” read his post. 
Today, the singer also shared his two cents as to how India treats Bangladesh. He wrote,  “Larger countries think of themselves as guardians or overseers of their smaller neighbouring nations. The United States considers itself the big brother to Cuba and Haiti, and it views Puerto Rico almost as a subordinate state. Similarly, India sees itself as the big brother to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.”
 
Netizens praised his post, with one commenting, “The people of Bangladesh want India as a friend rather than as a brother figure.” Another added, “This way of thinking is fundamentally flawed. Every nation holds immense value to its people, and any attempt to dominate another will never be accepted.”
Kabir Suman, who often urges promoting peace and harmony on his Facebook page, had expressed his solidarity with students during the July movement. Using the platform, he called for an end to the violence from all sides involved.
In his post during the days of the student-led mass uprising, he wrote, “I cannot stay silent about the current situation in Bangladesh. Although I spent a few days there, I am not fully aware of the details, the causes, or those involved. With folded hands, I urge all parties to stop the violence. I appeal to the Dhaka government to persist in its efforts to maintain peace, ensuring that students do not resort to violence.”
At that time, he also mentioned that, while he couldn’t be physically present, he deeply wished to travel to Dhaka, sit on the streets, and advocate for peace.
The singer has frequently expressed his affection for Bangladesh on his Facebook page. In February, he wrote, “Until my last breath, I hope to stay in Bangladesh and dedicate myself to serving my mother tongue. As much as my health allows, I wish to teach Bangla kheyal to others.”
He wanted to spend his remaining days in Bangladesh and hoped to find his final resting place in this land.
Kabir Suman gained fame with the release of his album “Tomake Chai” in 1992. He later engaged in local politics, notably supporting Mamata Banerjee during the Nandigram and Singur movements. 
Subsequently, he served as a Member of Parliament from the Jadavpur constituency under the Trinamool Congress ticket but later parted ways with the party. Born on March 16, 1949, in Cuttack, Odisha, India, Kabir Suman has made significant contributions to Indian music and politics.