A controversy arose in Bihar’s Thakurganj when JD-U MLA Gopal Kumar Agarwal referred to the Shershahbadi Muslim community as “Bangladeshis.” Agarwal urged Bihar’s Chief Minister to remove Shershahbadi teachers from their roles as Booth Level Officers, alleging they added illegal Bangladeshi citizens to voter lists. This led to unrest within the Shershahbadi community.
Under the All Bihar Shershahbadi Association, leaders like Congress National Secretary Tauquir Alam and MLA Qamrul Hoda submitted a memorandum protesting the MLA’s remarks. Alam criticized Agarwal for sowing discord and targeting the Shershahbadi community unfairly. He emphasized that the community, which speaks Bengali, upholds the Constitution and deserves respect.
Alam vowed to pursue legal action to protect the dignity of Shershahbadi Muslims in the face of such discrimination. Congress MLA Qamrul Hoda condemned attempts to drive a wedge between the Shershahbadi and Surjapuri communities, emphasizing the need to preserve peace and unity in the region. Hoda also disputed claims that the Shershahbadi community had unlawfully occupied land, urging against spreading hatred among constituents.
