Manikganj witnessed a tense confrontation on Sunday as groups identifying as Tawhidi Janata and Baul artists engaged in a series of chases and counter-chases, leaving four people injured. The incident occurred around 11 am in the South Sewta area near the Bijoy Mela ground.
The clash stemmed from rival programmes announced by the two groups over the arrest of Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was detained last Thursday for allegedly making derogatory comments about Islam and Allah during a musical event in Ghior upazila. While Tawhidi Janata demanded strict punishment for the artist, Baul followers gathered to demand his release.
According to police and locals, over a thousand people under the Tawhidi Janata banner began a protest march from the bus stand in the morning and held a rally in front of the Bijoy Mela ground. At the same time, Baul artists and supporters of Abul Sarkar assembled inside the fairground near the Shaheed Minar.
Tensions escalated when a section of the Tawhidi Janata rally moved toward the Bauls and began chasing them, triggering a clash. Three Baul supporters—Abul Alim of Sankrail (Shibalaya), Zohurul of Jhitka (Harirampur), and Ariful Islam of Talebpur (Singair)—were injured. A madrasa teacher, Maulana Abdul Alim, from the Tawhidi Janata side, was also hurt.
Witnesses said several Baul artists jumped into a nearby pond to escape and later hurled stones from across the water.
Additional Police Superintendent (Crime & Ops) Md Abdul Al Mamun told Kalbela that police were already deployed at the scene and brought the situation under control quickly. Legal procedures are underway.
The incident highlights growing tension surrounding cultural freedom, religious sensitivity, and public mobilization in the district.
