Protest march demanding Baul Abul Sarkar’s release attacked in Khulna
Police immediately dispersed both sides, and the situation calmed down
A protest march in Khulna demanding the unconditional release of Baul Abul Sarkar and condemning recent attacks on Bauls came under attack this afternoon (26 November).
The incident occurred at the city's Shibbari intersection, where activists under the banner of the Democratic Student Alliance had gathered for a march and rally.
According to eyewitnesses, as the procession was underway, a group of individuals suddenly attacked participants, beating leaders and activists of the Democratic Student Alliance, forcing them out of the area, and setting their banners on fire.
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Speaking about the incident, Kabir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Sonadanga Police Station, said that two groups — one from the Democratic Student Alliance and another from Chhatra-Janata — arrived at the same location to form separate human chains, which led to a confrontation.
"Police immediately dispersed both sides, and the situation calmed down quickly," he said.
4 injured in Manikganj clash over Baul Abul Sarkar's arrest; Blast, Sampriti Jatra voice concern
Earlier in the day, four Baul singers were injured after a group of people attacked them in front of a tea stall on the Thakurgaon District Court premises amid a gathering in protest against the arrest of Abul Sarkar Moharaj.
On 23 November, at least four people, including three followers of Baul Abul Sarkar Moharaj, were injured after clashes broke out in Manikganj over rival programmes announced by two groups in the wake of the singer's arrest over allegations of hurting religious sentiment.
Baul singer Abul Sarkar Moharaj was arrested from Manikganj in a case filed on charges of hurting religious sentiments.
The arrest sparked strong reactions across various sections of the country.
