Overview
- Police arrested popular baul singer Abul Sarkar on charges of provoking violence and hurting religious sentiment, produced him before a Manikganj court, and jailed him.
- Activists under the Tawhidi Janata banner attacked a rally calling for Sarkar’s release near Dhaka, leaving four injured with head wounds confirmed by hospital staff.
- Manikganj police said they intervened during the clash and have initiated legal proceedings against identified attackers.
- Over 250 academics, writers, and rights advocates issued a statement alleging a post-2024 surge in religious vigilantism, citing shrine demolitions and attacks on minorities.
- Rights groups ASK and Transparency International Bangladesh voiced concern, while interim officials condemned the violence and said investigators are working to identify perpetrators.