Attacks on shrines or Baul music will not be tolerated: Farooki

Attacks on shrines or Baul music and qawwali songs will not be tolerated, said Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, cultural adviser of the interim government.

He said this at a programme organized by the Chinese Embassy at Gulshan Society Lake Park on Friday morning as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.

The cultural adviser said: "Attacks on shrines or Baul music and qawwali songs are happening somewhere, not everywhere. Even if it is in one place, we will not tolerate it, our position is very clear - zero tolerance on this matter."

"Many events are being organized by the Shilpakala Academy every month. In some months, 52, 70 and even 75 such events are taking place. I can say specifically about the Bauls, there were 12 Sadhu Melas this month, we will make it double next month. There will be 24 Sadhu Melas next month. Besides, it will continue to be done through private initiatives. Our government's position on art and culture is clear."

He hopes that China will be found more by his side as a development partner in the progress of the new Bangladesh.