Political and cultural activists organised a rally titled “Protirodh Jatra” on Friday in Dhaka, demanding the release of Baul singer Abul Sarkar and justice for the ongoing attacks on Bauls, Sufis, shrines, and other cultural communities across the country.
The gathering was organised by 80 organisations and featured Baul music, poetry recitations, and short theatrical performances.
The event began on Friday afternoon at the Central Shaheed Minar, with a minute of silence to mark the 145th birth anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani.
At the event, the organisers presented a 9-point demand, which included the withdrawal of false charges against Abul Sarkar and the resignation of the home and culture advisers.
Attacks on Bauls and their followers have escalated across the country, with members of a religious group known as “Tawhidi Janata” being blamed.
On 4 November, during a Pala Gaan performance in the Ghior upazila of Manikganj, baul artiste Abul Sarkar was accused of making remarks that insulted religion. A video of his comments circulated on social media. Later, he was arrested on charges of blasphemy.
On 23 November, supporters of Abul Sarkar came under attack in Manikganj while protesting against his arrest. Similar attacks on Baul supporters also took place in Thakurgaon and Khulna.
On 27 November, following these assaults on members of the Baul community, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus instructed that the perpetrators be swiftly arrested, according to his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
Police have reportedly been investigating the matter, although no concrete arrests have been made so far.
During the “Protirodh Jatra,” Professor Anu Muhammad referred to the current situation as “incompatible with the spirit of a people’s uprising,” adding, “Our expectations are being shattered at every step, and the activities of discriminatory groups in society are increasing.
“The interim government does not represent the people’s uprising. They are supporting religious fascism, while making deals in the interests of corporate fascism and imperialism.”
On Abul Sarkar’s arrest, Professor Muhammad said, “This is completely unjust and based on false allegations.” He also condemned the shooting of independent parliamentary candidate Osman Hadi in Dhaka-8 and the attack on Dhaka University’s Professor AKM Jamal Uddin.
The Federation of Reciters marked the occasion by reciting Kazi Nazrul Islam’s poem “Bidrohi,” voicing their protest against the ongoing situation. The organisers also revealed that the funding for the event was collected through crowdfunding, with further donations being collected from participants during the gathering.
Representative Kazi Roksana Ruma told TIMES of Bangladesh that the “Protirodh Jatra” was held collectively by 80 organisations from across the country.
The demands presented included – the investigation of all attacks on Bauls, Sufis, shrines, and cultural communities; the arrest and trial of the perpetrators; reinstating the recruitment of music and physical education teachers in primary schools; ensuring state security for cultural and religious events; and visible measures to stop state support for fascist activities under the guise of religion.
Additionally, the organisers called for effective action to end state repression of workers, farmers, and indigenous communities; strict punishment for ongoing attacks based on gender, profession, ethnicity, ideology, or personal conduct; cancellation of projects that are environmentally destructive and harming national interest; and the resignation of the home and culture advisers for failing to ensure public safety.
The cultural assembly was followed by a torch procession led by the Ganatantrik Chhatra Front.
On 21 November, Abul Sarkar was taken into custody in connection with a case accusing him of blasphemy and making offensive remarks during an event. He was brought before the Senior Judicial Magistrate Court in Manikganj, after which the magistrate ordered his detention in jail.
Earlier that day, Mufti Md Abdullah, imam of the Ghior Bandar Mosque, lodged the case naming Abul Sarkar as the sole accused.
According to the petition, he is alleged to have demeaned Islamic teachings, offended religious sentiments and delivered disparaging comments with the intention of provoking communal tension.
