Sampriti Jatra demands release of Baul Artist Abul Sarkar Maharaj
The human chain began at 4pm, with members of Sampriti Jatra, along with leaders from various Baul–Sufi organisations, cultural bodies, social groups, and political platforms, took part in the demonstration, reads a press release.
The civic platform Sampriti Jatra today (20 November) organised a human chain and protest rally in front of the South Plaza of the National Parliament, demanding the unconditional release of Baul artist Abul Sarkar Maharaj.
The human chain began at 4pm, with members of Sampriti Jatra, along with leaders from various Baul–Sufi organisations, cultural bodies, social groups, and political platforms, taking part in the demonstration, reads a press release.
Participants carried placards that read: "Free Abul Sarkar," "Ensure the safety of music, knowledge, and devotion," "Protect shrines and spiritual centres," "One day, the world will belong to the Bauls."
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Following the human chain, they marched in a protest rally from the South Plaza, circled the Khejur Bagan intersection, and returned to the Parliament's South Plaza, where the event concluded.
The demonstrators reiterated their demands for Abul Sarkar Maharaj's release and called for an end to discrimination and harassment against Bauls and Fakirs.
Speakers alleged that Abul Sarkar's arrest was intentional and discriminatory.
Bangladesh Sufi Jagaran Parishad Chairman Rafiqul Islam Bangali said the Baul–Sufi community had historically stood against all forms of discrimination. "The arrest of Abul Sarkar is deliberate. If he is not released immediately, a broader movement will follow," he warned.
Ahle Sunnat Jamaat President Maulana Nure Alam Said issued a three-day ultimatum, stating that Bauls and Fakirs from across Bangladesh would take to the streets if he was not freed.
Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi General Secretary Jamshed Anwar Topon said, "One day the world will belong to the Bauls. The arrest of artists is a violation of human rights, and we will not remain silent."
Baul artist Shah Alam Sarkar criticised what he called "selective targeting of Bauls," saying, "Many institutions shelter immoral activities, yet Bauls are being punished unfairly."
Baul Samiti General Secretary Rafik Sarkar claimed that two million Bauls and Fakirs would march if their demand was ignored.
Dhaka University Student Union President Meghmallar Bosu said, "The government celebrates Lalon while repressing Bauls and Fakirs. We must unite against rising fascism."
Bangladesh Baul Samiti member Almas Sarkar, Biplobi Chhatra Moitree President Dilip Roy, Mahathir Mohammad, also spoke at the event.
