Two more Baul artistes injured in attack in Thakurgaon

Witnesses say the artistes were heading toward a protest against attacks on Bauls

At least two Baul artistes were injured in an attack ahead of a protest against the repression of Bauls and the arrest of Baul artiste Abul Sarkar.

The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon on the premises of the Thakurgaon court, said Thakurgaon Sadar Police chief Sarwar Alam Khan.

Sarwar said the protest was supposed to be staged at the Chowrasta intersection in Thakurgaon town at noon, organised under the banner “Sampritir Oikya, Thakurgaon”.

“Additional police had been deployed. But before the protest, some people found two Baul artistes alone on the court premises and attacked them,” said Sarwar.

Rezwanul Haque Riju, general secretary of Thakurgaon Udichi Shilpigoshthi, said: “Baul artistes were gathering at the court premises to hold their programme. A group of unruly people then marched into the court area and launched an attack, beating the Baul artistes.”

“Every person has the right to express their opinion. The attack on Baul artistes in Thakurgaon is regrettable. On behalf of our organisation, we strongly protest and condemn this incident,” he said.

Sarwar said police would act after receiving an official complaint over the incident.