A program titled “Ganer Artonad” was organized by Sampriti Jatra at Shahbagh on Friday (November 28), demanding the release of Baul artist Abul Sarkar and justice for the recent attack on Baul artists in Manikganj. The event began around 4:30 pm in front of the National Museum, with artist Arup Rahi giving the welcome speech.
During the program, a group of 20–25 people under the banner July Mancha arrived with a procession and used their microphone to speak against the demand for Abul Sarkar’s release. When Sampriti Jatra activists attempted to move them away from the stage area, a scuffle broke out between the two groups. A section of July Mancha members pulled on the stage frame, causing the banner behind it to fall. Sampriti Jatra later restored the banner and resumed the program.
After the July Mancha group moved away, the “Ganer Artonad” event continued and ended with a procession calling for justice for the Baul artists attacked in Manikganj.
Baul artist Abul Sarkar was arrested on November 20 in Manikganj on allegations of “insulting religion.” On November 23, Baul devotees gathered in Manikganj to demand his release, where four people were injured in an attack. A video of devotees jumping into a pond to escape went viral online.
Subsequent protest rallies were held in Thakurgaon on November 26 and Khulna on November 27, both demanding his release and justice for the Manikganj attack. Both rallies also faced attacks.
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