Civil Society Condemns Arrest of Baul Singer Abul Sarkar Amid Rising Religious Extremism in Bangladesh

Last Updated: November 25, 2025, 14:06 IST

Civil society leaders in Bangladesh are raising alarms over the arrest of prominent Baul singer Abul Sarkar, claiming it underscores a disturbing escalation in religious extremism following the recent political upheaval that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Arrest of Abul Sarkar: A Growing Concern for Cultural Freedom

On Monday, notable figures from Bangladesh’s civil society issued a joint statement condemning Sarkar’s arrest. They cited allegations that he had “hurt” public sentiment and highlighted violent attacks carried out by Islamist groups against other mystic performers in the wake of this incident. The statement was endorsed by 250 citizens, reflecting a unifying stance against perceived threats to cultural expression.

According to the civil society leaders, the increase in religious tensions is linked to the events following the mass uprising in July 2024, which saw the Sheikh Hasina-led government fall. They argue that a particular faction has positioned itself as the “exclusive representative” of Islam, launching a campaign that creates a stifling environment for artistic and spiritual expression.

Escalating Violence: A Pattern of Intimidation

The civil society statement described a disturbing pattern of violence against creative communities. Since the political shift, over 200 shrines have reportedly been demolished, and acts of intimidation and harassment have surged, targeting individuals who deviate from mainstream religious practices. This includes labeling individuals as murtad (apostate), kafir (non-believer), and shatim (sinner), as well as forcibly altering hairstyles and disrupting cultural events.

The growing atmosphere of fear has left many artists, particularly within the Baul tradition, under threat. The Bauls are known for their liberal and syncretic beliefs that predate modern extremist movements, and their existence is now being challenged.

Institutional Inaction and Impunity

Prominent academics, including Professor Anu Mohammad and Professor Salimullah Khan, who signed the civil society statement, have criticized law enforcement’s response to the violence. They claimed that authorities have often downplayed attacks, categorizing abusers as “pressure groups” and sometimes even taking action against victims instead of perpetrators.

Human rights organizations, including Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), have expressed deep concerns regarding the ongoing violence aimed at Sarkar’s followers. Transparency International Bangladesh also highlighted these incidents as alarming signs of eroding religious harmony.

The Rallying Cry for Justice

In response to Sarkar’s arrest, public protests have erupted. Poet and activist Farhad Mazhar likened the situation to a new form of "religious fascism," declaring, “Arresting him means arresting me. I will not accept this.”

Sarkar was apprehended by police during a musical event in Madaripur, accused of inciting unrest and offending religious sentiment. Following his arrest, a group linked to Tawhidi Janata, which has been implicated in previous violent incidents against cultural figures, attacked fellow performers during a demonstration advocating for Sarkar’s release.

This attack injured several individuals and further escalated fears among culture advocates about the safety of artistic expression in Bangladesh.

Continuing Threats to Artistic Expression

As activists, particularly from leftist student organizations, staged rallies in various cities including Dhaka and at Jahangirnagar University, they condemned the violence against artists. A separate demonstration outside the National Press Club by Baul artists emphasized their demands for Sarkar’s freedom and the protection of their cultural practices.

The Tawhidi Janata linked mobs have also disrupted cultural gatherings, vandalized Sufi shrines, and targeted minority communities. In light of these events, Yunus’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, condemned the violence and indicated that officials are working to identify the assailants.

Conclusion: A Call for Cultural Protection

The situation echoes a broader crisis impacting Bangladesh’s cultural landscape and highlights the urgent need for both cultural protection and a revival of religious harmony. The arrest of Abul Sarkar and the subsequent fallout not only threaten individual artists but also threaten the rich, pluralistic heritage of the country.

For more information on the ongoing cultural conflicts in Bangladesh, visit Human Rights Watch and Ain o Salish Kendra.

This article serves to highlight the critical situation facing artists in Bangladesh as civil freedoms continue to erode in the face of rising extremism.