Had to play mute to escape from violence-torn B’desh: Tabla player
Times of India | 25 December 2025
Kolkata: Tabla player Mainak Biswas and photographer Kallab Ghosh, who accompanied sarodia Shiraz Ali Khan for his Chhayanaut concert on Dec 19, found themselves in a precarious situation in Dhaka after the event was cancelled. They recount the 48 hours of intense anxiety they endured before finally managing to return home. Biswas, in particular, said that as a Hindu Indian trying to leave Dhaka, the experience was akin to being the protagonist in a horror film. The constant scrutiny from onlookers instilled a pervasive sense of fear for safety.
Biswas, who had visited Bangladesh at least five times earlier, told TOI he had always received warmth from the people of Bangladesh. "However, this visit turned into my worst nightmare. I could never have imagined how difficult life could become as a Hindu trapped in Bangladesh when anti-Indian rhetoric was at its peak," said Biswas after his return to Kolkata.
The tension, he said, was suffocating, and every moment was spent in anticipation of what could go wrong. "It is easy to identify me as an Indian. Hence, the fear of being targeted, was ever-present. It was a stark reminder of the precariousness of our situation, and the relief of boarding the flight was overshadowed by the anxiety of what we had just experienced. The ordeal left an indelible mark, a constant reminder of the vulnerability," he added.
While Shiraz had departed Dhaka on Dec 19, Biswas and Ghosh came home only on Dec 22. "My mother and grandmother were at home in Kolkata. But I didn't call them up to share my tension. I still feel a shiver down my spine when I recall those helpless hours," Biswas recounted. "I had switched off my phone. My mind went blank when I learned what had happened to Dipu Das. I couldn't fathom what might await me if a mob attacked me."
The situation became increasingly challenging after Shiraz's departure. "He had the reputation of a renowned musician and the advantage of a Khan surname. Unlike him, I couldn't even speak the local dialect. They say those who can't speak have no enemies. I decided to remain silent and pretend I couldn't speak. Shiraz's mother was with us, and I had the added responsibility of ensuring her safety," he explained.
Adding to the stress was the concern for his tabla. "I had seen images of instruments being vandalized at Chhayanaut. That was traumatic. The fear of my own tabla being subjected to a similar attack was overwhelming," he said.
Their flight back to Kolkata was scheduled for Dec 22. "Nobody questioned us there, and we felt a temporary sense of relief. At least, that space seemed safe for us," he said.
On Tuesday, Biswas went to Midnapore for a sound check for Shiraz's concert. "I will not return to Bangladesh unless the situation improves," he said.