Clash breaks out at Khulna rally over demand to release Baul artiste

A rally in Khulna protesting the nationwide attacks on shrines and Sufi sites -- and demanding the release of Baul Abul Sarkar -- has been attacked, leaving several activists of the left-leaning Democratic Students’ Alliance injured.

The incident unfolded around 5pm at Shibbari Mor, said Kabir Hossain, chief of Sonadanga Model Police under Khulna Metropolitan Police.

Police and witnesses said several leftist organisations had earlier announced programmes demanding the release of Manikganj Baul Sarkar and protesting recent assaults and obstructions targeting Baul artistes and local cultural traditions.

As scheduled, activists of the Democratic Students’ Alliance arrived with their banner and began their event.

At the same time and at the same spot, a separate group launched a counter-programme. They accused Sarkar of “speaking offensively about Allah”.

Following the announcement of the counter-programme, small groups of people gathered at different points around Shibbari Mor. Before long, they declared they would resist those supporting Sarkar.

The attackers then chased the student activists, snatched their banner, and set it on fire. Several activists were beaten during the assault before police intervened and restored control.

Some among the counter-protesters warned they would resist anyone supporting the Baul artistes, shouting “Atheists will not be allowed in Khulna”.

Officer Kabir said police had been deployed beforehand due to tension surrounding the two simultaneous programmes.

“Police have kept the situation under control,” he said.

On the burning of the banner, he said no formal complaint had been lodged, adding that police had urged all sides to remain calm.

Earlier in the day, Baul artistes attempting to gather in Thakurgaon with the same demands also came under attack.