On November 24, 2025, poet Farhad Mazhar spoke at a protest rally in front of the National Press Club, demanding the release of Baul singer Abul Sarkar Moharaj, who was arrested on allegations of making derogatory remarks about Islam. Mazhar described Sarkar’s arrest as a reflection of a growing “religious fascism” and violated individual rights and freedom of expression in the country. He stressed that Sarkar has been a longstanding supporter of various movements and equated his arrest to an attack on his own identity. The protest was organized by Sadhu Gurubhakt O Oli-Auliya Ashekan Parishad, with speakers calling Sarkar’s case “false” and demanding its immediate withdrawal. Tensions escalated in Manikganj due to rival protests over Sarkar’s arrest, leading to clashes in the town.
Emergence of a New Religious Extremism: Farhad Mazhar Protests Baul Abul Sarkar’s Arrest
By xpectafight
