Several protests erupted in Bangladesh after a Baul singer, Abul Sarkar, was arrested by authorities. The government was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of people, and this led to the singer’s arrest by the police from a programme. He was sent to jail after being produced in court.

After the incident, several reports emerged of attacks on the Baul community and its supporters. A group of Tauhidi people attacked the community on the outskirts of Dhaka. As per reports, four people were injured in the attack. Later, intellectuals, students and other organizations took to the streets in protest.

In a statement released on Monday, over 250 eminent citizens, including academicians, economists and artists, said that radicalism has surged since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government. It was mentioned in the letter that a few groups have proclaimed themselves custodians of religion and are trying to create an atmosphere of fear and oppression.

In the statement, they claimed that over 200 graves were destroyed, artists were insulted on the streets, women were targeted when they stepped out in cities, and cultural programmes — including music, plays and dance — were also targeted.

Critics said that the law enforcement agencies did not take necessary steps to curtail such incidents. On the contrary, they encouraged these incidents as they remained mute spectators. Rights groups ASK and Transparency International dubbed these incidents as attacks on religious harmony and demanded action.

During a protest, poet and activist Farhad Mazhar warned that society is heading towards “religious fascism.” On the other hand, the interim government said that the matter is sensitive and that it is trying to tackle it with full responsibility.

However, critics said that condemnation is mere lip service, and the authorities must ensure stern action against those accused of violence or other crimes.