A prominent baul singer in Bangladesh, Abul Sarkar, was arrested on November 7 over alleged blasphemy charges, inciting widespread protests against growing “religious fascism” in the country. Baul music, integral to Bangladeshi culture, often faces conflict with conservative groups. Sarkar was accused of inciting violence and hurting religious sentiments during a performance. His arrest followed a complaint from a local imam, claiming derogatory comments were made.
Protests erupted, led by Islamist groups like Tawhidi Janata, known for political violence against perceived blasphemy. Civil society members condemned the arrest, expressing concerns over a surge in religious extremism and criticizing the government’s inaction against mob violence. They described a suffocating environment where cultural and religious diversity is increasingly threatened.
Rights activists warned of a rise in religious nationalism, calling it “religious fascism.” Following Sarkar’s arrest, baul singers and students organized marches, leading to further violence against protesters. Government officials offered tepid responses, with cultural advisors defending the response as typical of previous administrations. Overall, the unrest reflects deeper cultural and political tensions in Bangladesh regarding identity and religious representation.
