New form of 'religious fascism': Bangladesh students, cultural activists protest arrest of Baul singer on blasphemy charges

Protesters are demanding the immediate release of the singer Abul Sarkar.

On Monday, Ganotantrik Chhatra Jote, a left-leaning student alliance, demonstrated in the Dhaka's iconic Dhaka University TSC area, demanding justice for the singer.

Participants chanted slogans such as, "Try the criminal terrorists," "Why was Abul Sarkar arrested? We want an interim explanation," and "Why the attack on the Bauls? Yunus must answer", reported The Business Standard.

Criticising the current interim government, the demonstrators shouted slogans, calling Muhammad Yunus, the 'guardian of terrorists'.

"The government has failed to protect its citizens. Instead of curbing hate preachers, it is nurturing them," singer Shayan was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

"People of this country will not tolerate any attack on the rights of Bauls, the right to sing, listen, pray, or practise their faith," he said.

"No discrimination can continue after the 2024 uprising. People of every religion, community, and identity must have the right to speak," Hema Chakma, member of the Ducsu executive committee, was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

 A torch protest, demanding the release of the singer, was held in Jahangirnagar University.

Reacting to the arrest, eminent thinker and poet Farhad Mazhar has warned that a new form of 'religious fascism' is emerging in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a rally outside the National Press Club, he was quoted as saying by The Business Standard that the country was now witnessing "another kind of religious nationalism", which he described as "religious fascism".

 Abul Sarkar was sent to jail in Manikganj after he was arrested on charges of hurting religious sentiments.

The case was filed by Mufti Md Abdullah, Imam of Ghior Bandar Mosque, at Ghior Police Station, reported The Daily Star.

The imam made the allegation based on his performance during an event in Ghior upazila on November 4.

Md Kohinur Islam, officer-in-charge of Ghior Police Station, earlier told the newspaper, "It has been alleged in the case that baul singer Abul Sarkar made religiously misleading remarks while performing a song. The case is under investigation."

What did the Bangladesh government say about the arrest?

Cultural affairs adviser of the interim government, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, effectively a minister, in a Facebook post, said the Home Ministry is handling the "sensitive and delicate issue with responsibility".

Referring to the Awami League govenrment's regime, which was toppled amid severe protests on August 5, 2024, he said: "Did the Ministry of Culture beat the Bauls? I will ask you to do some research. Only then will you see that the history of this oppression of fakirs and Bauls is very old. Even if you look at the Awami League era, you will see how many places the Bauls were attacked, their hair cut, their musical instruments broken, and the police arrested for hurting religious sentiments!"