Protest against arrest of Baul Abul Sarker, cancellation of music, PE teacher posts 

Members of the Gonotantrik Shangskritik Oikko held a rally and protest march today (25 November) against the arrest of Baul artist Abul Sarker, attacks on Bauls, and the government's cancellation of music and physical education teacher appointments in primary schools.

The protest began at 4:30pm in front of the National Press Club. Speaking at the rally, Zakir Hossain, general secretary of Charon Cultural Centre, accused the government of providing tacit support to communal and anti-liberal forces while remaining silent in the face of attacks on the nation's cultural heritage. 

He said the arrest of Abul Sarker and the cancellation of teacher appointments are creating an atmosphere of intolerance in the country. He warned that if the situation continues, participants of the July people's uprising may be compelled to take to the streets again. He also demanded the unconditional release of Abul Sarker and the reinstatement of the cancelled appointments.

Tamal Hossain Badal, convener of the Samaj Chinta Forum, condemned what he described as "neo-fascist" behaviour by the government, accusing it of suppressing cultural activities under the pretext of religious defamation while endangering national interests. He warned that the public may take strong measures to protect democracy if the situation does not change.

Jamshed Anwar Tapon, general secretary of Udichi, said that even after the fall of the fascist government, communal and extremist religious forces are re-emerging in the country. He described the arrest of the Baul artist, attacks on Bauls, and the suspension of teacher appointments as politically motivated acts of sacrilege. 

Tapon accused groups affiliated with Jamaat-Shibir and other fundamentalist organisations of inciting violence, with the government remaining silent or complicit. He urged the resignation of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Home Affairs adviser, calling for a neutral caretaker government capable of conducting fair elections.

The rally was attended by theatre actors, singers, and representatives from political and cultural circles.

The protests follow the arrest of Abul Sarker last Thursday in Ghior Upazila, Manikganj, over alleged derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah at a musical event. He was subsequently sent to jail by the court. On Sunday, supporters of Sarker held a human chain in the city while a religious group attacked Baul supporters near the government boys' high school field, injuring many.