Baul songs, waz and kirtan will coexist in my area: Rumeen Farhana

Member of Parliament for Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj), Rumeen Farhana, has said restrictions on Baul music and shrine-based cultural practices will not be tolerated in her constituency.

Speaking at the opening of the 58th remembrance and annual Urs of spiritual figure Abdul Qadir Shah in Ashuganj on Thursday night (March 26), she stressed the need to preserve Bangladesh’s diverse cultural traditions.

“As long as I am responsible for this area, waz will be held, kirtan will be held, and Baul songs will also be performed,” she said.

The lawmaker alleged that during the past 18 months under the interim government, several shrines were demolished and Baul gatherings faced restrictions, with some artists reportedly harassed and detained.

She said she had consistently protested such incidents.

Farhana emphasised that preserving the country’s cultural heritage is a shared responsibility and called for passing these traditions on to future generations, describing Baul music and shrine culture as integral parts of Bangladesh’s identity.

The event was organised by the Abdul Qadir Shah Library and attended by local community leaders and cultural figures.