Bangladesh’s cultural and spiritual heritage is under strain. Sufis, Fakirs and Bauls, mystics who shaped the country’s humanist and pluralist identity, have recently faced attacks and mob crackdowns. Once celebrated as custodians of musical and spiritual traditions, these artists now confront threats from extremist factions such as the Touhidi Janata, raising urgent questions about the state’s commitment to cultural protection.
The national debate intensified after the arrest of Baul artist Abul Sarker, accused of “hurting religious sentiments.” What began as a local complaint in Manikganj escalated after a video of his pala gaan performance in Jabra, Ghior went viral. Clerics and activists formed a human chain accusing him of making “obscene and insulting remarks” about the Almighty, leading to his arrest on religious defamation charges.
The fallout for his family was immediate. His daughter, musician Innima Roshni of Joler Gan, described living in “constant risk” in an emotional social media post, fearing attacks on their home and harm to family members. She thanked the Baul community and supporters, some injured while defending the family, calling them “family” and asking for public prayers.
Tensions escalated further in South Seota, Manikganj, when clashes erupted between Sarker’s supporters and a group styling itself “Manikganj-er Shorbostorer Alem–Ulama O Towhidi Jonota.” Four people were injured: Abdul Alim (25) of Shibaloy, Ariful Islam (29) of Singair, Zahirul Islam (32) of Harirampur and Abdul Alim (27) of Borongakhola.
Observers argue that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs’ inaction has created a vacuum in which groups like the Touhidi Janata can push fundamentalist agendas. The repeated assaults on Bauls and Sufi practitioners threaten not only individual safety but the very foundations of Bangladesh’s pluralistic and artistic traditions.
Attacks on Shariat Boyati, Abul Sarker and Mukta Sarker are not isolated incidents but part of a broader phase in events that appear to distance Bangladesh from its indigenous cultural roots. While these attacks are framed as responses to religious violations, religion has often been used as a tool to weaken Bangladesh’s distinct cultural and humanist identity.
Historically, religious life coexisted with the country’s musical and pluralist traditions without major conflict. Today, extremist forces are deliberately manufacturing contrasts between religious and cultural practices, polarising communities in ways without precedent in Bangladesh’s past.
Amid widespread criticism, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated that law and order issues fall under the Home Ministry, not his advisory role, remarks that many viewed as deflecting responsibility. He said the past few days had been “extremely uncomfortable” and that he had contacted the Home Ministry as soon as he learned of Sarker’s arrest, maintaining communication since.
Yet the question remains: How powerless is the Cultural Adviser when those he is expected to safeguard are attacked, displaced or humiliated? And why have the Cultural and Home Ministries remained largely silent?
Responding to accusations of hypocrisy, for celebrating Lalon nationally while Bauls face harassment, Farooki urged critics to consider historical patterns, noting that attacks on Bauls predate the current administration. He pointed to expanded Sadhushongo programmes and national commemorations of Lalon as evidence of efforts to strengthen cultural pluralism.
Political parties have also spoken out. The National Citizen Party (NCP) condemned the attacks and called for an impartial investigation. In a statement, it emphasised the historic contributions of Bauls, Fakirs, Sufis and other mystic traditions, arguing that safeguarding them is essential to Bangladesh’s humanist identity. “Bangladesh belongs to everyone,” the NCP said. “Violence has no place in resolving religious or cultural disagreements.”
Mahmud Selim, Acting President of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, warned that Sarker’s arrest reflects a wider rise in hardline fundamentalism. “Bauls have faced attacks, humiliation and even assault. An attack on Bauls is an attack on our culture. If Bauls are erased, fundamentalism gains strength, along with its path to power and potential foreign influence.”
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam likewise condemned the violence, “The oppressed are becoming oppressors and the anti-fascists are turning into fascists. Those who perpetuate new forms of oppression without replacing injustice with fairness will bear responsibility for the resurgence of fascism. All oppression against dissenters, including Sufis, Fakirs and Bauls, must stop immediately.”
As investigations into both the assault and the case against Sarker continue, the crisis exposes a deep rift between the symbolic celebration of heritage and the vulnerability of those who embody it.
Hence, the question remains: Can Bangladesh truly protect the artistic and spiritual freedoms it claims to cherish?
