‘Tawhidi Janata’ Assaults Bauls During Sit-in Seeking Freedom of Abul Sarkar

The alleged ‘Tawhidi Janata’ carried out an attack on the Bauls who were staging a sit-in demanding the release of Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was arrested in a case on charges of making derogatory remarks about religion. The attack took place after 10 a.m. on Sunday when the Bauls took position beside the Shaheed Minar in Manikganj town. Three people were injured in the attack.

Police rescued the injured and admitted them to Manikganj 250-bed General Hospital. A frightening situation has arisen across the town due to the incident.

The injured are— Abdul Alim (25) of Shakrail village in Shibaloy upazila, Ariful Islam (29) of Talebpur village in Singair, and Jahirul Islam (32) of Kamarghona village in Harirampur.

Earlier, at 10 a.m., the alleged ‘Tawhidi Janata’ brought out a protest procession from the Manikganj bus stand area and marched around the town. Later, they held a rally at the Post Office intersection. They demanded the highest punishment for the arrested Baul artist Abul Sarkar.

On the other hand, while the rally was ongoing, the supporters of Baul artist Abul Sarkar took position beside the Shaheed Minar. At that time, ‘Tawhidi Janata’ chased the people on the Baul artist’s side. The Bauls ran in different directions and at one stage some of them jumped into a pond in an attempt to escape the attack. In this chase, three Baul artists were seriously injured. The injured have been admitted to Manikganj Hospital.

Regarding the incident, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Manikganj Sadar Police Station Kamal Hossain said, “When the procession of ‘Tawhidi Janata’ entered the town, suddenly some people inside the procession started chasing the Bauls. Within moments the situation went out of control and three Baul artists were injured. If anyone lodges a complaint regarding the incident, we will take legal action.”

Earlier, on November 4, allegations of making derogatory remarks about religion were raised against Bangladesh Baul Samiti President Abul Sarkar during a musical event at Jabra area of Ghior in Manikganj district. Over this allegation, he was arrested on Thursday, November 20, by Manikganj Detective Police. After that, a man named Mufti Abdullah filed a case of religious defamation at Ghior Police Station. On Sunday afternoon, after the bail hearing in court, Abul Sarkar did not get bail.