Attack and Vandalism at Baul Music Gathering in Sherpur
An atmosphere of fear prevails among local residents following an attack and vandalism at a Baul music gathering in Ganevruyapara village of Pakuria Union in Sherpur Sadar Upazila. The Baul music programme, organised in a freshly harvested paddy field beside the house of Shamim Driver at around 11:00 pm on Thursday night, was abruptly brought to a halt after coming under sudden attack. Even two days after the incident, the area has not returned to normal.
Bangladesh’s Human Rights Landscape: How Long Will Impunity Continue?
This year, however, Human Rights Day arrives at a critical juncture for Bangladesh. The political upheaval of 2024, the breakdown of long-entrenched governance structures, and the rise of a fragile interim framework have laid bare an uncomfortable reality.
Body of Chhatra League activist Momin Khan recovered from the Turag River in the capital
The body of Momin Khan, a missing Chhatra League activist, was recovered today, Wednesday, December 3rd, from the Turag River—four days after he went missing—following an Awami League protest rally in Dhaka’s Diabari area on November 30th against the verdict of the interim government’s tribunal.
Human Rights Abuses Continue Unabated Under Bangladesh’s Interim Government
The collapse of the Awami League government in August 2024 marked a decisive turning point in Bangladesh’s contemporary political landscape. A nationwide uprising—fueled by frustration over inequality, corruption, and the abuse of state power—swept the long-standing regime from office and ushered in an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Expectations soared that this transition would usher in a new era of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Allegation of an attack by July Moncho on the ‘Ganer Artonad’ program in Shahbagh
A clash involving attacks, vandalism, and scuffles took place at the protest event titled “Ganer Artonad” organized to protest the arrest of Baul Abul Sarker in Shahbagh, the capital, and the attacks on Baul artists. The incident occurred on Friday (28 November) around 4:30 PM in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University.
Rising Violence Against Bauls Raises Alarms Over Religious Extremism
A series of attacks targeting Bauls and their followers has been reported across Bangladesh in recent weeks, with a particular religious group appearing to lead the assaults. The attackers identify themselves as “Tauhidi Janata.”
Khulna Demonstration for Baul Abul Sarkar’s Release Comes Under Attack
An attack took place at a protest rally of the Democratic Students’ Alliance in Khulna, organized to demand the release of Baul Abul Sarkar and to protest the vandalism of shrines and mazars across the country. Several activists of the left-leaning student organization have reportedly been injured.
Bauls Attacked in Thakurgaon Court Premises, Four Injured
Another incident of assault on several Bauls and their followers occurred in the Thakurgaon court premises. At least four people were injured. The incident took place around 2 p.m. on Wednesday (26 November) in the Thakurgaon court area.
‘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.
Excavators Spark Chaos at Dhanmondi 32; Security Forces Intervene
A tense situation developed on Monday afternoon on Dhanmondi 32 Road in the capital. Supporters of Jamaat and the NCP attempted to enter the area with two excavators to demolish the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The army and police quickly arrived at the scene and dispersed them.