History of oppression against Bauls is old, says Advisor Farooki

Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooki has defended his actions amid intense social media criticism over the arrest of Baul artiste Abul Sarkar in Manikganj’s Saturia over insulting religion.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, he said the oppression of Baul singers has a long history, adding he acted appropriately after learning of Abul’s arrest.

“Our job is to take action. It’s not about sitting in government and making statements,” he wrote.

Abul was arrested and sent to jail on Nov 20 for allegedly insulting Allah during a singing event in Ghior Upazila, Manikganj.

He is married to Aleya Begum, singer of Kotha Koyo Na on Coke Studio Bangla. Their daughter Innima Rashmi is also a singer.

A Baul devotee named Shujon Dewan shared a 3-year-old Facebook post in which Farooki had praised Rashmi.

Shujon criticised the advisor for celebrating Lalon Saiji’s death anniversary while Baul singers were being arrested, calling it “injustice”.

Farooki responded saying he had contacted the home ministry, and law and order was not his ministry’s responsibility. He also urged the public to remain patient and restrained.

He wrote, “The history of atrocities against Bauls is old. Even during the Awami League regime, they were attacked, their instruments broken, and Palakars arrested.

“Considering this, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has done its best and decided to celebrate Lalon nationally.”