The Baul community in Manikganj has been living in insecurity as the authorities did not take any action against those who attacked Bauls in broad daylight on Sunday.
A large group of Tawhidi Janata assaulted Bauls in the presence of law-enforcement agencies, leaving four people injured.
The authorities’ inaction has further deepened the community’s anxiety, especially as provocative statements and threats have continued on social media platforms.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Manikganj Sadar Police Station Kamal Hossain told reporters that legal action would be taken if a written complaint was lodged. However, the district’s Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime & Ops) M Abdullah Al Mamun claimed that the process of identifying the attackers through investigation was ongoing.
Members of the Baul community alleged that they were abandoned by the authorities at a time when they were being targeted merely for demanding the release of fellow Baul artiste Abul Sarkar.
Our Manikganj correspondent reported that many members of the community have relocated to safer areas, fearing further attacks.
Community leaders insist that unless the attackers are swiftly identified and held accountable, the climate of intimidation will only worsen, undermining the long-standing tradition of cultural harmony.
Injured Abdul Alim has filed a case with the Manikganj Sadar Police Station over the attack on Baul supporters, naming unidentified members of the Tawhidi Janata as accused. Manikganj Sadar Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Md Aminul Islam confirmed the development around 8:30pm on Monday.
Meanwhile, condemning the attack, various organisations and public figures on Monday called upon the government to arrest the culprits immediately or risk the situation spiralling out of control. They also criticised the interim administration for failing to act decisively against the unruly mobs and Tawhidi Janata.
Addressing a rally at the National Press Club, Abul Sarkar’s wife, Aleya Begum, said her family was living in extreme fear. “Sunday’s attack has intensified our panic.”
Expressing grave concern over the slogan “Catch Bauls one by one and slaughter them,” chanted by Tawhidi Janata, she questioned how the administration could overlook such threats.
She said police called them to the station and attempted to settle the matter informally. Accusing the police of siding with the attackers, she added, “I saw the OC leaving with those men [the attackers].”
Expressing anger over the arrest of Baul artiste Abul Sarkar and the attack on his followers, noted thinker Farhad Mazhar called for a conference on Bauls in Manikganj.
Referring to the attackers, he said, “I will be there… Beat me… I will take the beating. We do not take revenge. But we will give you a lesson.
“Those who oppress innocent people and commit violence can never claim to be followers of the Messenger,” he said, addressing the rally.
Hinting at political parties, Mazhar said, “From the NCP to the BNP and Jamaat — I say this to you: if you do not oppose injustice for the sake of votes… if you stand with the oppressors, do not think that the people of this country will again vote to bring collaborators of oppression to power.”
In a statement, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said the arrest of the Baul artiste and the mob attack on his supporters are deeply concerning signs of growing hostility to religious coexistence, community harmony, and cultural diversity in the country, driven by extreme beliefs and reckless intolerance within the majority.
It noted that while the artiste was swiftly arrested on allegations of “hurting religious sentiments,” law enforcement remained passive onlookers during a daylight attack on the Bauls — and the government’s silence on the matter has undermined the rule of law, human rights, and constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) also condemned the attack on the Bauls, calling for a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation and for all those responsible to be brought to justice.
Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam called for an end to all forms of repression against dissenting voices, including fakirs, Bauls and others who hold alternative viewpoints.
“If diversity within society and the state is suppressed, fascism will return, and the spirit of the July Revolution will collapse. Those who replace injustice with new forms of oppression and violence will be responsible for the revival of fascism,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook profile.
