Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today announced that the interim government has directed law enforcement agencies to swiftly arrest those responsible for the recent attacks on Baul communities in Manikganj and several other parts of the country.
The instruction was revealed by Mr. Alam while responding to a journalist’s question at a press conference held this afternoon at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. The conference was organised to inform the public about the decisions made during the Advisory Council meeting.
A journalist asked if the council meeting, beyond its scheduled agenda, included discussions on contemporary issues, specifically the escalating tension between the Baul community and certain religious groups, or any discussions regarding the upcoming election and the potential resignation of advisors who wish to participate in it.
In response, the Press Secretary stated that there was no discussion regarding the election or the general issue concerning Bauls. However, he confirmed that instructions have been issued for the immediate arrest of the individuals who attacked the Baul community.
“Manikganj police are working according to this directive. Police are conducting rapid, sweeping operations in all other locations where attacks have occurred. Journalists will see quick results,” Mr. Alam said.
The recent tension stems from the arrest of Baul artist Abul Sarkar on the night of November 19 from a musical gathering in Madaripur, on charges of ‘hurting religious sentiment’ during a palagaan (a type of folk debate song). Subsequently, on November 23, a group operating under the banner of ‘All-level Ulema-Olama and Touhidi Janata of Manikganj District’ attacked Bauls who had gathered in Manikganj for a human chain demanding Sarkar’s release.
In a further incident yesterday, Bauls preparing for a human chain in Thakurgaon were once again attacked under the ‘Touhidi Janata’ banner.
The arrest of Abul Sarkar and the subsequent attacks on the Baul community have drawn widespread condemnation, with various political parties, socio-cultural, and human rights organisations issuing statements demanding the arrest of the attackers and the release of Abul Sarkar.
