TIB voices concern over arrest of Baul Abul Sarkar, attack on supporters

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the arrest of Baul artiste Abul Sarkar in Manikganj and the mob attack on his supporters during a peaceful protest, warning that the incidents pose a serious threat to the country’s religious, social and cultural diversity—as well as fundamental human rights.

In a statement on Sunday, TIB said such developments reflect a worrying rise in hostility toward religious coexistence, communal harmony and cultural pluralism, fuelled by extreme beliefs and growing intolerance within the majority community.

The organisation noted that while the artist was swiftly detained on allegations of “hurting religious sentiments,” law enforcement remained “passive onlookers” as Baul artistes came under daylight attack. The government’s silence, it said, undermines the rule of law and citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the incident should not be seen as isolated.

“We can reasonably suspect that this is part of an organised pattern. Pressure on cultural diversity, folk heritage, spiritual traditions and minority beliefs has resurfaced repeatedly,” he said.

He added that such incidents have increased sharply since the fall of the authoritarian government last year.

Iftekharuzzaman further stated that freedom of thought and conscience, freedom of expression, diverse folk cultural practices, peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion are being trampled under multifaceted pressure. Videos circulating on social media show police visibly indifferent and merely observing the attack, which exacerbated the situation.

Law enforcement’s reluctance to act against the attackers and the government’s silence risk being interpreted as an informal approval of group-based violence. As a result, artists are going into hiding, many involved in folk and shrine-based cultural traditions are being forced to curtail their activities, and diverse folk cultural practices are now facing a culture of fear. Regarding their freedom to participate in cultural practices in educational institutions, both teachers and students are unsure.

The constitutional obligation of the state to protect religious diversity, cultural freedom, and citizen rights is now effectively under challenge. The misuse of laws under the pretext of “hurting religious sentiments” was a hallmark of authoritarian rule. Its continuation in the “New Bangladesh” is deeply concerning, he added.

The government has consistently failed to take a transparent stance against such extremist activities, he alleged.

Consequently, religious fanaticism is intensifying, while peaceful religious observance, social harmony, and individual freedoms are gradually diminishing, and extremism is being permitted to become institutionalized due to governmental complacency.

He mentioned that the promises of ‘New Bangladesh’ and ensuring human rights, minority protection, and cultural freedom are continuously trampled, despite being born out of a blood-stained struggle against discrimination.

“We reiterate the interim government to take a clear stance and definitive action against mob violence, religious incitement, and the suppression of differing views, cultures, or religious beliefs. If the government turns a blind eye to these looming threats, where religious coexistence, communal harmony, cultural tolerance, and civil liberties go up in smoke, it will dash the hopes for a 'New Bangladesh' and pave the way for the return of authoritarianism,” TIB cautions.