Attack on Baul music event in Biswanath resolved through mediation

An attack on a Baul music event in Shripur village of Biswanath upazila, Sylhet, has been resolved through mediation. The settlement was reached on the condition that microphones and musical performances will be banned at future Urs (death anniversary) programmes at the Ibrahim Shah shrine.

The decision was made during a meeting between the two opposing parties at the Biswanath Upazila Parishad hall room on Wednesday afternoon, March 25. Sylhet-2 (Biswanath-Osmaninagar) constituency Member of Parliament Tahsina Rushd Luna informed this to the media after the meeting.

On late Sunday night, March 22, a group of individuals attacked and disrupted a Baul music event near the Ibrahim Shah shrine. The attackers vandalised the music stage and sound system and threatened strict action if any musical programmes were organised in the future.

Following the incident, allegations were also made that several windowpanes of the Shripur Jame Mosque were broken. The situation became tense, leading to additional police deployment.

Amid widespread discussion and criticism, the local MP and administration officials held a meeting with both parties on Wednesday.

After the meeting, MP Tahsina Rushd Luna said a tense situation had arisen in Biswanath due to misunderstandings regarding the shrine and mosque matters after Eid. The media had exaggerated the situation over the past few days. It was not as significant as portrayed.

She said, "We were busy with Eid for two days. But due to extensive discussion in the media and social media, I immediately spoke with the administration about this matter. Today we brought both parties together for a dialogue. After speaking with everyone, I understood that it was not a very serious matter. Some unruly outsiders came to the shrine and created trouble with anti-social activities. The shrine authorities were not involved. There was no major vandalism at the mosque; three or four glass panes were broken."

She added, "An understanding has been reached at the meeting. We will repair the mosque's glass panes. Local chairmen have taken on this responsibility."

Regarding the shrine, several measures have been decided, the MP said. "Microphones cannot be used during Urs at the shrine. No one can cause disturbance to others. However, speakers may be used. Anti-social activities such as alcohol and cannabis will not be allowed at the shrine. Separate arrangements must be made for men and women. If there is music, it can be gazals, peer-murshidi songs, zikr and askari. Other types of songs are not permitted. However, no stage can be erected."

She said these directives will be applicable for all shrines in Biswanath. The local administration will inform all shrine authorities of these instructions.

The mediation meeting was attended by Biswanath Upazila Executive Officer Umme Kulsum Rubi, Biswanath Police Station OC Gazi Mahbubur Rahman, and representatives from both parties.