New form of ‘religious fascism’ emerging: Farhad Mazhar on Baul Abul Sarkar’s arrest

Eminent thinker and poet Farhad Mazhar has warned that a new form of 'religious fascism' is emerging in Bangladesh, as protests and condemnations mounted today (24 November) over the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar Moharaj.

Speaking at a rally outside the National Press Club, he said the country was now witnessing "another kind of religious nationalism", which he described as "religious fascism". 

He claimed its rise began after 5 August with the desecration of several mazars.

The protest rally was organised by Sadhu Gurubhakt O Oli-Auliya Ashekan Parishad, which demanded Abul Sarkar's immediate release.

Mazhar at the rally said the uprising had carried a clear message about protecting individual rights, dignity, and freedom of expression, yet these principles have been increasingly undermined.

4 injured in Manikganj clash over Baul Abul Sarkar's arrest; Blast, Sampriti Jatra voice concern

He described the arrest of Abul Sarkar as a personal affront, saying the Baul singer had supported him in every movement. "Arresting him means arresting me. I will not accept this," he said.

He also alleged that he and others had received death threats and had been targeted by smear campaigns. He urged the government to honour the commitments made after the mass uprising and to safeguard rights, dignity, free speech, and cultural freedoms.

In an earlier interview with The Business Standard, Mazhar said it remains unclear how "religious fascism" would evolve in future. He said recent tensions could have been avoided if the authorities had acted decisively after the first incidents of mazar vandalism.

Baul singer Abul Sarkar arrested, sent to jail on charge of 'hurting religious sentiments'

He criticised the failure to impose exemplary punishment on those responsible for earlier attacks on Baul shrines, arguing that the absence of accountability had encouraged further extremism.

Meanwhile, last night, students and cultural activists held a torch procession in Dhaka protesting attacks on Baul singers in Manikganj.

The march began at the TSC area of Dhaka University, moved through Shahbagh, and ended at the Raju Sculpture, calling for justice and Abul Sarkar's release.

Detectives detained Abul Sarkar, president of the Bangladesh Baul Samity, on 19 November at a musical event in Ghior upazila of Manikganj on allegations of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah. He was later shown arrested in the case and sent to jail.

Tension rose in Manikganj on Sunday after clashes erupted over rival programmes announced by two groups following the arrest. The confrontation broke out around 10:45am when supporters of Abul attempted to hold a human chain demanding his release. They were confronted by another group identifying itself as "Allama-Olama O Touhidi Janata of Manikganj".

TIB warns of growing threats to communal harmony

Transparency International Bangladesh described the arrest and the mob attack on Baul artistes as "very concerning signs". In a statement yesterday, the anti-graft body said such incidents posed a grave threat to Bangladesh's cultural and religious diversity as well as fundamental rights.

Sampriti Jatra demands release of Baul Artist Abul Sarkar Maharaj

TIB criticised what it called the "passive" role of law enforcement during the daylight assault and said the government's silence had undermined the rule of law and the constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.

Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, said the incident should not be seen as isolated. He warned that pressure on cultural diversity, folk heritage, spiritual practices, and minority beliefs had risen sharply since the fall of the previous authoritarian administration.

He said freedoms linked to thought, expression, folk culture, peaceful assembly, and religion were now facing "multifaceted pressure".

ASK condemns attacks on Baul artistes

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) also condemned the assault and voiced alarm over the growing frequency of threats against Baul artistes and cultural activists. The rights group said delayed or weak legal action had emboldened groups opposed to Baul traditions, leading to repeated attacks.

ASK warned that such trends threatened the rule of law, human rights protection, and cultural freedom. It called for a prompt and impartial investigation into the Manikganj violence and urged authorities to ensure due process, justice, and protection of Abul Sarkar's right to free expression.