Bangladeshi Islamist Group Linked To Attacks On Hindus, Durga Puja Pandals Targets Baul Artists

Bangladeshi Islamist Group Linked To Attacks On Hindus, Durga Puja Pandals Targets Baul Artists

In another instance of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, several Baul supporters were attacked by the members of an Islamist group called Towhidi Janata, who have been linked with several attacks on Hindus and other minorities and the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's sculpture in January.

According to a report by Dhaka Tribune, Baul supporters had called for a protest rally in Manikganj and Thakurgaon to protest the recent attacks on Baul performers and to demand the release of Baul leader Abul Sarkar, who was detained for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during a folk performance recently.

When the Baul supporters arrived near the court premises in Thakurgaon on Wednesday, they were confronted by members of the Towhidi Janata, which escalated into a clash, leaving two people injured. Additional police personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control.

The Thakurgaon incident took place after a group of Baul supporters were attacked in Manikganj on November 23. Several political parties and human rights organisations have demanded the arrest of those who attacked Baul supporters and called for the release of Abul Sarkar.

“The disorder being carried out in the name of Tawhidi Janata is not part of the Prophet's Sunnah," Baul supporter Sohel Rana told Dhaka Tribune. In response, Towhidi Janata member Al-Amin said, “If someone speaks against Allah, we will respond. Those who try to destroy Islam in my country will not be allowed to do so."

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, said that instructions have been given to arrest those who attacked Baul supporters in Manikganj and Thakurgaon, Prothom Alo reported.

The radical Islamist group has been involved in several attacks against the Hindu community. The group has repeatedly disrupted Durga Puja celebrations and even engaged in violent clashes with the police that have resulted in numerous casualties.

After the anti-government riots last year led to Sheikh Hasina's ouster, the group was believed to be responsible for attacking several shrines across the country. Towhidi Janata also vandalised a sculpture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner's office in January this year.

The group is part of the Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, another Islamist group which protested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh in 2021. The protesters started waving their shoes as a sign of disrespect, prompting a violent clash with the Awami League that led to the death of four people. The ousted Awami League had previously alleged that Hefazat is a front for the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

Source: News18
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