National Citizen Party’s (NCP) has condemned the attack on supporters of Baul artiste Abul Sarkar in Manikganj.
In a statement, NCP said Bauls, Fakirs, Sufis and other spiritual traditions have long enriched Bangladesh’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The party’s Religion and Harmony Cell issued the statement on Sunday.
It also urged a neutral investigation into the incident and demanded legal action against the attackers and instigators.
NCP called on the state to guarantee the constitutional rights, safety and freedom of expression of Bauls, Fakirs, Sufi-leaning groups and all cultural–spiritual communities.
The party urged religious leaders, civil society and political leadership to reject incitement and violence, and to strengthen the path of harmony, restraint and mutual respect.
“Bangladesh belongs to everyone. We must promote a culture that listens and understands differences instead of silencing them,” the statement read.
NCP also said disagreements over religious interpretation can occur and may even lead to debate. But violence or retaliation can never be the answer.
The party praised the country’s responsible Islamic scholars who have historically spread religious teachings through patience, wisdom and good conduct.
“Islamic scholars guide people towards restraint, peace and respect for the law when confusion or tension arises,” it said. The statement added that violence has no place in matters of faith or society.
NCP also expressed solidarity with those who remain committed to peaceful religious outreach and knowledge-based dialogue. It said this approach reflects the true path of religious guidance and needs stronger reinforcement.
On 4 November Baul artiste Abul Sarkar allegedly made “derogatory religious remarks” during a performance in Ghior. Police arrested him last Thursday, and a court sent him to jail.
His supporters held a human chain in protest. At the same time, members of the “Tawhidi Janata” and local clerics held a protest march and rally.
Although authorities scheduled their programmes at different times on Sunday morning, tensions rose due to conflicting statements from both sides.
Supporters of Abul Sarkar and members of the “Tawhidi Janata” later clashed, leaving four people injured.
