Govt orders immediate arrest of Baul attackers

The interim government has issued strict instructions for the swift arrest of those involved in recent attacks on Baul artistes in different parts of the country, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

While talking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy following a meeting of the Advisory Council on Thursday, he said, "Police in Manikganj and other districts are carrying out combing operations. You [journalists] will see results very soon."

When asked whether the advisers discussed rising tensions between Baul artistes and some religious groups or any adviser's intention to step down ahead of the upcoming national election, the press secretary said, "No such discussions took place in today's meeting." "However, as far as I know, strict instructions have been issued to immediately arrest those involved in the attacks on Baul artistes," he added.

The press secretary also said that Manikganj police are already conducting combing operations to arrest the perpetrators. "Wherever such attacks have taken place, law enforcement agencies are carrying out immediate raids. You will see results very soon," he said.

The recent attacks began in Manikganj where four Bauls were injured followed by beating of Shamsul Haque Chisti and Mokles Pagla in Thakurgaon while they were preparing to protest the arrest of Baul leader Abul Sarkar. In Khulna, five organisations calling themselves as Tawhidi Janata foiled a protest rally of Democratic Student Alliance against the attacks on Baul and minority communities, and the shrines. Mob attacked the rally in presence of police, leaving five protesters injured. The attackers also burned their banners.

According to media reports, earlier this month, Baul artiste Abul Sarkar was detained by police from an event in Madaripur on allegations of hurting religious sentiments.