NCP demands legal action against attackers on Baul singer's supporters

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has expressed concern and condemnation over the attack on supporters of Baul singer Abul Sarkar in Manikganj.

The party has called for a neutral and thorough investigation into the incident, and for those who carried out or instigated the attack to be brought under the law.

The condemnation was issued on Sunday, November 23, in a press release by the NCP’s Religion and Harmony Cell.

In the release signed by Tarek Reza, Secretary of the Cell, it stated: “Against the backdrop of the tension centring Baul singer Abul Sarkar in Manikganj, the attack, chase and intimidation carried out against his supporters have drawn our deep concern and firm condemnation. Whatever disagreements or allegations may exist violence, harassment or lawlessness can have no legitimacy.”

Highlighting the rich contributions of Baul, Fakir, Sufi and other spiritual traditions to Bangladesh’s cultural and spiritual heritage, the release noted that protecting such diversity means preserving humanistic state values and the nation’s historical harmony. “Bangladesh belongs to everyone, here we must establish a culture of listening and understanding, not suppressing differing views.”

The statement said that differences in religious opinion or interpretation may naturally arise and may even lead to debate, but violence or retaliation can never be the answer. According to the NCP, generations of responsible Islamic scholars have conveyed the teachings of faith through peaceful invitation, patience, wisdom and good conduct, this is a national tradition. When misunderstanding or tension arises, it is these peace-loving scholars who have guided people toward restraint, peace and respect for the law.

“We stand with those who remain steadfast in the principle that violence has no place in matters of religion or society. Peaceful dawah and knowledge-based dialogue are the true path—this must be upheld today more strongly than ever.”

The NCP stressed that the events in Manikganj must be investigated neutrally and fully, and the attackers and instigators must be held accountable.

It added that differences of opinion or allegations must be resolved through law, justice and peaceful dialogue, never by mobs or groups acting on their own.

The statement said the constitutional rights to safety and freedom of expression for all cultural and spiritual communities including Baul, Fakir and Tasaawwuf practitioners—must be ensured by the State.

Rejecting the politics of provocation, division and violence, the party urged religious leaders, civil society and political leadership to further strengthen the path of harmony, restraint and mutual respect.

The incident took place at 11am on Sunday in the South Seota area of Manikganj town, when supporters and admirers of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, arrested in a case filed on allegations of hurting religious sentiments—were attacked.

Four people, including three of the singer’s supporters, were injured. The injured supporters are Abdul Alim,25 of Shakrail village in Shibalaya, Ariful Islam,29 of Talebpur in Singair, and Jahirul Islam,32, of Kamarghona in Harirampur. The fourth injured person is Abdul Alim,27 of Borongakhola village in Sadar upazila.

The incident occurred amid counter-programmes involving a group identifying themselves under the banner “All Alem-Olama and Tawhidi People of Manikganj District” and the supporters of Abul Sarkar.