In Araihazar, Narayanganj, a local group under the banner of Towhidi Janata formed a human chain demanding a ban on Baul songs at an upcoming Orash festival. The demonstration took place on Monday morning on the Araihazar–Bishanandi Ferry Ghat road near Karaitala Taltala market. Speakers alleged that Baul performances at a nearby shrine had been accompanied by activities such as drinking, gambling, and drug use, which they claimed were harming local youth.
Participants in the human chain included local religious leaders and members of Shane Sahaba’s district and upazila committees. They called for administrative intervention to immediately stop what they described as “anti-social activities.” A written complaint was submitted to the Officer-in-Charge of Araihazar Police Station requesting action. Locals said tensions rose briefly during the protest as different parties confronted each other.
According to police, an investigation is underway, and additional forces have been deployed to prevent further unrest. Officer-in-Charge Khandaker Nasir Uddin confirmed that measures were taken to keep the situation under control.
A three-day Baul music festival is scheduled for December 5–7 at the home of Billal Fakir in Koitala village. The opposition from the Towhidi Janata group emerged in response to this planned event, raising concerns about potential conflict in the area.
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