Four injured in Manikganj clash over Baul Abul Sarkar’s arrest

At least four people, including three followers of Baul Abul Sarkar Moharaj, were injured on Sunday after clashes broke out in Manikganj over rival programmes announced by two groups following the singer’s arrest on charges of hurting religious sentiment.

The three injured followers are Abdul Alim of Sankrail village in Shibaloy, Zahurul of Jhitka in Harirampur, and Ariful Islam of Talebpur in Singair. Madrasa teacher Maulana Abdul Alim, aligned with the Towhidi Janata, was also injured during the confrontation.

All four injured were rescued and provided first aid at a local hospital.

The clash erupted around 9am in the town’s Dakkhin Seota area when a group rallying under the banner Allama-Olama O Towhidi Janata of Manikganj confronted Abul’s supporters, who had organised a human chain demanding his release.

Md Abdullah Al Mamun, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops), said police were deployed promptly and the situation was brought under control.

Legal proceedings are underway, he added.

Earlier on November 4, during a programme at the Khala Pagli fair in the Jabra area of Manikganj’s Ghior upazila, baul artiste Abul Sarkar was accused of making remarks that allegedly insulted religion. A video of his comments later circulated on social media, triggering widespread criticism.

In response, on the night of November 19, Abul Sarkar was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of Manikganj police from a musical event in Madaripur. He was brought to the district DB office the next morning.

That afternoon, Mufti Md Abdullah filed a case against him at Ghior Police Station.Later, Abul Sarkar was shown arrested in court and sent to jail.