Cultural activists and bauls on Saturday protested against the arrest of a man in Shariatpur for allegedly ‘hurting religious feelings’ by his Facebook post using Lalon Fakir’s song and demanded the security and safety of bauls.
Activists of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi and Bangladesh Baul o Lokshilpi Sangstha made the demand at a protest rally held in front of the Bangladesh National Museum at Shahbagh in the capital.
Artistes sang Lalon songs at the event protesting against the harassment of bauls in the name of religion.
They called for resistance against communalism and demanded a safe environment for cultural activities.
‘Why is it that we do not have the freedom to sing songs of humanity and non-communalism,’ said general secretary of Sirajganj Lalon Sangsad Anan Baul.
He said that singing, listening and sharing Facebook posts about Lalon songs was treated as a crime in the country which proved that extremism was on the rise in the country.
Udichi joint secretary Sangeeta Imam pointed out that Lalon remained a major source of inspiration for non-communal forces in the region.
She said that the nation should uphold his spirit and protect his legacy to ensure peace in the country.
On April 27, Sanjoy, a local goldsmith in Shariatpur, posted two lines from a Lalon’s song titled ‘Sob Loke Koy Lalon Ki Jaat Ei Sansare,’ which went viral and caused uproar.
Later, a crowd gathered near Sanjoy’s house and local people informed the police.
Police went to the spot and brought him to the police station.
