Attack on Baul Abul Sarker’s followers by ‘Tawhidi Janata’, 4 injured

Tension has escalated in Manikganj following the detention of Baul artiste Abul Sarker on allegations of making derogatory remarks about religion, and subsequent counter-programmes demanding both his release and punishment.

On Sunday (November 23) morning, members of Tawhidi Janata and people identifying themselves as Alems staged a protest march and rally in the town’s bus stand area, while at the same time followers of Abul Sarker formed a human chain. This sparked tension in different parts of the town.

At that moment, a group from Tawhidi Janata launched an attack on the Baul followers beside the field of the Government Boys’ High School. At least three Baul followers were injured. They are Abdul Alim of Sankrail village in Shibalaya, Jahurul of Jhitka in Harirampur, and Ariful Islam of Talebpur area in Singair. A few others who were attacked fled the scene immediately; their identities could not be confirmed.

In addition, a madrasa teacher from the Tawhidi Janata side, Maulana Abdul Alim, was also injured in the attack. Police said separate times had already been scheduled for the two groups due to fears of tension over their counter-programmes. Even so, Baul followers were attacked in scattered incidents during the demonstrations. The injured received first aid at hospital.

Manikganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime & Ops) Md Abdullah Al Mamun said police were deployed close to the spot. The situation was brought under control quickly. Legal procedures are under way.

Earlier, at 9am a protest procession by Tawhidi Janata started from the bus stand area and rallied in front of the district post office. Police said that after the rally ended, one faction launched the scattered attacks on the Baul followers.

It may be noted that on Thursday, in a musical event in Ghior upazila of Manikganj, Baul artiste Abul Sarker was detained by detective police on allegations of making “derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah”. Later the court sent him to prison. Abul Sarker, who is now in prison, is a resident of Partilli in Tilli Union of Saturia upazila. Locally, he is known as Baul artiste Chhoto Abul Sarker.