 "Almost ten months after Sheikh Hasina's ouster, Bangladesh continues to be marred by instability, protests, and lawlessness. Representational image: REUTERS")
Amid rising violence against minorities and Hindus in Bangladesh, several Baul supporters were attacked by members of an Islamist group known as Towhidi Janata, which has previously been linked to assaults on Hindus and other minority communities, as well as the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s sculpture in January.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, Baul supporters had organised protest rallies in Manikganj and Thakurgaon to condemn 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.
When Baul supporters arrived near the court premises in Thakurgaon on Wednesday, they were confronted by Towhidi Janata members, sparking a clash that left two people injured. Additional police personnel were deployed to restore order.
The incident came days after another attack on Baul supporters in Manikganj on November 23. Several political parties and human rights organisations have since demanded the arrest of those involved and called for Abul Sarkar’s release.
“The disorder being carried out in the name of Tawhidi Janata is not part of the Prophet’s Sunnah,” Baul supporter Sohel Rana told the Dhaka Tribune. Responding to this, 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 instructions have been issued to arrest those involved in the attacks in Manikganj and Thakurgaon, Prothom Alo reported.
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View AllThe radical Islamist group has been implicated in several attacks on the Hindu community. It has repeatedly disrupted Durga Puja celebrations and engaged in violent clashes with police, resulting in multiple casualties.
Following the anti-government riots last year that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, the group was believed to have attacked 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.
The group is affiliated with Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, another Islamist organisation that protested Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in 2021. Protesters waved their shoes as a sign of disrespect, triggering violent clashes with the Awami League that left four people dead. The ousted Awami League had previously alleged that Hefazat acts as a front for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.