Dhaka, Nov 24 (IANS) Several singers and artists in Bangladesh staged a protest in Dhaka on Monday, condemning the arrest of renowned Baul singer Abul Sarkar and the subsequent attack on artists in Manikganj district, local media reported.
The protest rally organised under the banner ‘Sadhuguru Bhakta and Oli-Awlia Ashekan Parishad’ in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital, demanded the immediate release of Sarkar and the arrest of those responsible for the attack on his followers.
Abul Sarkar, president of the Bangladesh Baul Samity, was taken into custody on November 20 in Madaripur district over allegations of hurting religious sentiments, Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, The Daily Star, reported.
Earlier on Sunday, tensions flared in Manikganj as followers of Baul artist Sarkar were attacked during demonstrations over his recent arrest.
Reports suggest that a separate group under the banner of ‘All-Section Alem-Ulama and Towhidi Janata of Manikganj District’ held a simultaneous protest march calling for Sarkar’s punishment.
Citing witnesses, leading Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reported that members of the Towhidi Janata attacked Baul supporters with sticks and bricks, causing panic among the small group advocating for Sarkar.
The violence left four people injured and raised concerns about the increasing vulnerability of Baul practitioners, who represent one of Bangladesh’s oldest and most distinctive cultural traditions.
Three Baul supporters, including Abdul Alim, Ariful Islam and Zahirul Islam, were injured during the incident.
As the confrontation intensified, another man also reportedly sustained injuries.
All four injured were taken to Manikganj District Sadar Hospital, where doctors confirmed that several required stitches for serious head injuries.
Confirming the incident, Manikganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Md Abdullah Al Mamun said, “One group was demanding his punishment, another demanding his release. A section of the Towhidi Janata attacked the supporters. We intervened immediately.”
He further mentioned that legal proceedings have been initiated.
Meanwhile, a leading international human rights organisation on Sunday strongly condemned the “unlawful arrest” of Sarkar, describing the accusations of “religious defamation” against him as “fabricated and baseless”.
In a statement, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) also criticised the violent attack carried out by the “Islamist extremist group” known as ‘Touhidi Janata’ on a peaceful human chain held in Manikganj, demanding the unconditional release of Sarkar.
–IANS
scor/sd/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by BhaskarLive.in and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of BhaskarLive.in We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, BhaskarLive.in takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.