Baul singer Abul Sarkar arrested, sent to jail on charge of 'hurting religious sentiments'
A human chain demanding the unconditional release of Abul Sarkar is set to be held at the South Gate of the National Parliament Building at 4pm on Friday
A Manikganj court has ordered Baul singer Abul Sarkar to be sent to jail in a case filed on charges of hurting religious sentiments, according to media reports.
Manikganj Judicial Magistrate Court-1 passed the order after police produced him before the court yesterday (20 November).
Abul Sarkar was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of police from Manikganj district earlier in that day.
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Mufti Md Abdullah, Imam of Ghior Bandar Mosque, filed the case at Ghior Police Station.
According to the imam, Abul's remarks during a performance in Ghior upazila on 4 November hurt religious sentiment.
The arrest sparked strong reactions from netizens.
Amal Akash, artist, cultural activist, and organiser, told TBS, "First of all, I strongly condemn the arrest of such a renowned artist as Abul Sarkar. Theological debates conveyed through the 'kabigan' (a traditional lyrical duel or poetic battle) of baul, bayati, and saints have long been an integral and enriching part of Bangladesh's cultural heritage. Artists like Abul Sarkar have made undeniable contributions to this intellectual and artistic heritage."
He further said, "The current interim government's lack of courage is largely responsible for attempts to stifle free thought under the guise of religion. If freedom of expression is not protected, a new cultural fascism may replace the existing Awami fascism. We cannot allow that to happen."
Amal Akash said all democratic cultural forces must unite and mobilise in protest against this incident. "Otherwise, the freedom of speech for the people, artists, and thinkers of Bangladesh will continue to shrink."
He went on to say, "This struggle is not against theology itself, but against those who, in the name of religion, seek to suppress critical thinking in a fascist manner."
Meanwhile, a Facebook event page announced that a human chain demanding the unconditional release of Abul Sarkar will be held at 4pm on Friday at the South Gate of the National Parliament Building
