Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Football Fans Protest Over Bengali Language Controversy at Durand Cup
During a Durand Cup match, East Bengal fans protested against a Delhi Police letter that referred to Bengali as a "Bangladeshi language."
This led to a banner referencing India's freedom struggle, highlighting the perceived insult to the Bengali language and identity.
The protest was sparked by a Delhi Police letter requesting a Bengali translator.
West Bengal's Chief Minister criticized the Delhi Police's use of language, calling it insulting.
East Bengal fans protested the Delhi Police's description of Bengali as a "Bangladeshi language".
The protest occurred during an East Bengal FC match against Namdhari FC in the Durand Cup.
Fans displayed a banner with the message: "Yesterday, we were hanged fighting for India’s freedom. And today, for speaking our mother’s tongue, we become Bangladeshi?"
The controversy stemmed from a Delhi Police letter seeking a translator for detainees.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the Delhi Police's language.
- Who
- East Bengal fans, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Police.
- What
- A protest against the Delhi Police's description of Bengali as a "Bangladeshi language".
- When
- During a Durand Cup match in 2025.
- Where
- Kolkata, Salt Lake Stadium.
- Why
- To protest a Delhi Police letter referring to Bengali as "Bangladeshi language".
East Bengal Supporters/West Bengal Government
Delhi Police (Implied)
Language Use
East Bengal Supporters/West Bengal Government
The Delhi Police's language is insulting to Bengali speakers.
Delhi Police (Implied)
The Delhi Police's use of "Bangladeshi" to describe Bengali is not inherently insulting but a statement of fact with no other context
- Event
- Durand Cup Match
- Location
- Kolkata, Salt Lake Stadium
- Teams
- East Bengal, Namdhari FC
- Protest
- Against Delhi Police Letter
- Banner Quote
- "Yesterday, we were hanged fighting for India’s freedom. And today, for speaking our mother’s tongue, we become Bangladeshi?"
- East Bengal Result
- Won 1-0 against Namdhari FC
