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We must protect Baul singers
Bauls live in constant fear as their attackers enjoy impunity
With its many ethnic groups, distinct cultures and dialects, as well as its hybridisation of different social traits and norms, Bangladesh is as diverse as it gets. It contains multitudes that have served it faithfully through the centuries. It is, therefore, disheartening to see how that diversity is being threatened through continuous assaults on Bauls in the country. As per a recent report by this daily, these people known for their distinctive music and way of life are living under threat of attacks and humiliation [1] as their tormentors continue to enjoy impunity.
In western Bangladesh alone, there have been at least five attacks on Baul akhras (dens) in the last seven years. And not a single attacker has been brought to book as of now. Even this past Friday, there was an attack on a cultural event featuring Baul songs in Sirajganj [2]. At least nine artistes were reportedly assaulted by religious zealots apparently enraged by the loud music, while musical instruments, chairs and other valuables were also vandalised. Organisers of the event said that this kind of incident had never happened before, even though they had been holding such programmes in Sirajganj for long.
What this shows is how unpredictable and spontaneous such attacks can be, and the culture of impunity that shields those behind the attacks. Even when a case is filed following an attack, it seldom leads to trial, let alone a conviction of the perpetrators. For example, on November 5, a group of attackers allegedly led by an imam of a local mosque attacked a Baul akhra in Laubaria, Kushtia. The following day, a case was filed with the Daulatpur police station, accusing 19 people. Of them, 18 were granted bail after they surrendered to the court.
In the absence of justice, victims often have to settle outside of the court with their attackers, or simply cease any legal pursuit to protect themselves. This has only emboldened the former. Besides attacks on akhras, assaults on Baul festivals have also become quite common in recent years. Even ordinary Baul enthusiasts have not been spared. One may recall that two teachers of Rajshahi University were allegedly murdered by extremists in 2014 and 2016. A physician was also attacked in Kushtia in 2014. In the age of the Digital Security Act, enemies of diversity have also been quite proactive in launching legal assaults on Baul singers and performers.
It must be reiterated that any attack on Baul events and akhras is an attack on the diversity of Bangladesh which it so proudly presents to the world. It’s an attack on the Bauls’ fundamental human rights which the constitution guarantees. Therefore, we urge the authorities to take stern action against the attackers. Baul music promotes harmony, tolerance and pluralism – a genre inspired by syncretic Islam. We should be proud of it, not allow it to be desecrated by fundamentalists.
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SEE NEW REPORTS ON THE ATTACK:
Nine injured in attack on Sirajganj baul event
United News of Bangladesh. Sirajganj | Published: 18:08, Mar 11, 2023 | Updated: 01:03, Mar 12, 2023
This photo taken on March 10, 2023 shows broken chairs following an attack on a Baul event at Abdur Rouf Mukta Mancha in Sirajganj district town. – UNB photo.
At least nine people including artistes were injured in an attack by some unidentified people on a cultural programme organised by Sirajganj Baul Shilpi Goshthi at Abdur Rouf Mukta Manch in the town.
Several musical instruments including keyboard, harmonium and chairs were vandalised.
Sanjib Kumar, president of the organisation, said that the programme was inaugurated on Friday afternoon, marking the organisation’s 18th anniversary. They resumed the cultural programme after a discussion.
‘Suddenly, a group of people attacked the venue. Our musical instruments, along with nearly 50 chairs at the venue, were vandalised,’ he said.
The organisation’s sound operator Suman and Baul singer Harun were among the injured, he added.
Officer-in-charge of Sirajganj sadar police station Md Humayun Kabir said that they visited the spot on information.
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Nine hurt in attack on Sirajganj Baul event
Prothom Alo English Desk
Published: 11 Mar 2023, 19: 05
At least nine people including artistes have been injured in an attack by some unidentified people on a cultural programme organised by Sirajganj Baul Shilpi Goshthi at Abdur Rouf Mukta Manch in the town, reports UNB.
Several musical instruments including keyboard, harmonium, and chairs were vandalised.
Sanjib Kumar, president of the organisation, said the programme was inaugurated on Friday afternoon, marking the organisation’s 18th anniversary. They resumed the cultural programme after a discussion.
"Suddenly, a group of people attacked the venue. Our musical instruments, along with nearly 50 chairs at the venue, were vandalized," he said.
The organisation’s sound operator Suman and Baul singer Harun were among the injured, he added.
Officer in charge of Sirajganj Sadar police station Md Humayun Kabir said they visited the spot on information.
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[ SEE RELATED PREVIOUS from 2022:
Baul singer assaulted by Narail Jamaat leader (September 2, 2022) ]
