POBNEWS24, Desk report Dhaka, Nov 26, 2025 : Bauls and devotees have been attacked again in the court premises in Thakurgaon district of northern Bangladesh. At least four people were injured in this. The incident took place in the court premises area around 2 pm on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses said that Baul saints and devotees had called a rally at noon demanding the release of Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was arrested in a case filed on charges of insulting religion in Manikganj, and the arrest of those involved in the attack on devotees. Two eyewitnesses said that a group of people coming under the banner of ‘Tawhidi Janata’ attacked them. The rally was disrupted. Four people were injured in the attack. They are – Md. Mokles, Alamin Hossain, Babul Baula and Sanwar Hossain.
Sohel Rana, a Baul devotee from Thakurgaon, said, ‘We believe in freedom of expression. Even during the time of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), there were slanders and conspiracies against him. Hatred was also spread about Islam. Did Muslims kill anyone, attack anyone, or vandalize anyone’s house? Then why is this anarchy going on in the name of the Tawheed Janata?’
Eyewitness Mahbub Alam Rubel said that when some Bauls took shelter in the building of the District Bar Association, the attackers tried to enter there with sticks. They were showing off while chanting slogans of ‘Naraye Takbir, Allahu Akbar’. Such an incident in a secure place like the court premises is a security threat to the entire nation. We do not want such anarchy.
When asked about this, Al Amin, a member of the ‘Tawheed Janata’ banner, said, ‘Bauls will say contradictory things in the name of Allah and if the Tawheed Janata is beaten up, the mob will say, what kind of civility is this? I have seen many civilized people in my country who are trying to destroy Islam. They will not be given another chance.’
Thakurgaon Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sarwar Alam Khan said, ‘There was a program at the intersection of Baul saints. Police were already deployed there. However, the attack occurred when a few isolated Bauls were present at the court premises. Later, the police quickly brought the situation under control. Legal action will be taken if they receive a complaint. So far, no party has filed a complaint with the police station in this regard.’
Earlier, on November 23, there was an attack on the fans and supporters of Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was arrested in a case filed in Manikganj on charges of insulting religion. Four people, including three fans and supporters, were injured in this. The incident took place around a counter-program between a group of people under the banner of ‘All Scholars-Olamas and Towhidi Janata of Manikganj District’ and fans and supporters of Abul Sarkar.
On the other hand, 40 writers, artists, teachers, musicians and human rights activists from Chittagong have expressed deep concern over the continuous attacks and torture on Baul, mystic artists, folk musicians, stage and stage performers and cultural activists in different parts of Bangladesh. In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, they said that the recent incidents are a direct blow to the country’s traditional culture, heritage, civil rights and constitution.
The statement said, ‘In light of the situation, it seems as if extremist groups have declared war by targeting cultural diversity and humanistic spirit. What is more sad is that the state is supporting these activities in many cases by remaining silent.’
The statement makers alleged that after the July mass uprising, various organized groups have increased their attacks on ordinary people on various pretexts by spreading religious fanaticism. Sometimes people are being harassed on the grounds of insulting religion, sometimes because of social behavior or dress. They expressed deep concern over the incidents of attacks on Bauls and fakirs in different parts of the country, harassment by cutting their hair, insults about women’s clothing, and open threats against women’s rights.
The statement mentioned that recently, Baul artist Abul Sarkar was arrested in Saturia, Manikganj on charges of insulting religion. There have also been attacks on Bauls in the presence of police in the same district. According to the statement makers, these incidents are not just isolated; rather, they are part of a planned attack on cultural freedom.
The statement said, ‘By attacking the spirit of Baul, upbringing, and folk music, an attempt is being made to destroy diversity, equality, and humanistic culture in society. However, the government’s silence is making the situation more worrisome. People who believe in democracy are becoming disheartened, and artists and cultural activists are also suffering from their own insecurity.’
Calling on the government, the statement said that the government must take a strict and effective role in suppressing extremist activities. Otherwise, Bangladesh will risk being known as an extremist state in the international arena. They demanded to stand by the oppressed artists and cultural activists and bring those responsible to justice. At the same time, they also demanded the immediate release of Baul artist Abul Sarkar.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the attack on Baul artists as a “heinous act by fanatics.”
He mentioned that Bauls are an integral part of the existing culture of Bangladesh, the culture of rural Bengal, who sing Baul songs in the fields, ghats, and wilderness. He called the attack on them an “attack by fanatics.”
He demanded a fair investigation into the incident.
