A video is widely circulating on social media in which people are seen travelling on many boats. Showing the video, a man in a yellow t-shirt speaks in Bangla. When translated, we understand that he is saying that a group of Muslims were coming to attend the Biswa Ijtema. The text embedded in the video stated that the video shows ‘Bangladeshi infiltrators coming to West Bengal in India.’
A social media user shared the video with a caption that reads, “Mullahs from Bangladesh are reaching West Bengal. Modi government should now impose President’s rule.” (Translated from Hindi)
SouthCheck found that the claim is false. The video is old and shows a religious congregation in Bangladesh.
On a Google reverse image search, we found that the same video was uploaded to YouTube on February 29, 2024. The video was shared with the #Chormonoi, suggesting that the video was old.
Another long video stated that the video is from the Charmonai annual mehfil or congregation.
Taking a hint, we searched with appropriate keywords and found a report published by ABP news on January 10, 2025. The report suggests that Indian Islamic scholar Maulana Saad Kandhalvi will participate in the second phase of the 58th Bishwa Ijtema in Bangladesh from February 14 to 16, 2025.
We found another report published by Jago News on February 24, 2024. The report stated that the Charmonai annual mehfil was scheduled from February 26 to 28, 2024, at the Charmonai Madrasa grounds in Barisal, Bangladesh. The event was to commence with a sermon by Charmonai Pir Maulana Syed Mohammad Rezaul Karim after Zuhr prayers on the first day. Throughout the three-day gathering, prominent Islamic scholars from Bangladesh and abroad would deliver sermons. Daily guidance sessions were to be held after Fajr and Maghrib prayers, led by Chormonai Pir Mufti Rezaul Karim. Additional programs include an Ulama-Mashayekh conference on the second day and an Islamic Students’ Movement conference on the third day. The event would conclude with the final prayer (Akheri Munajat) after Zuhr prayers on February 28. Extensive arrangements were made for attendees, including large prayer tents, security measures, medical facilities, and live streaming of the event. People come to attend this congregation by boat.
Therefore, we can ascertain that the viral claim is false.
