A protest rally called by Baul supporters in Thakurgaon was disrupted on Wednesday afternoon by an attack from members of Tawhidi Janata, leaving two supporters injured. The incident took place near the Thakurgaon Court premises.
The rally had been organized to protest the recent attacks on Baul performers and to demand the release of Baul leader Abul Sarkar. Tensions had been rising across the town since the morning as Baul supporters gathered for the protest. When they took position at the court premises around noon, members of Tawhidi Janata confronted them, which eventually escalated into a clash.
Baul supporter Sohel Rana said, “We believe in freedom of speech. During the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), were there not conspiracies or insults directed at him? Was anyone ever killed or had their homes destroyed because of it? The disorder being carried out in the name of Tawhidi Janata is not part of the Prophet’s Sunnah.”
In response, Tawhidi Janata member Al-Amin said, “If someone speaks against Allah, we will respond. Those who try to destroy Islam in my country will not be allowed to do so.”
Thakurgaon Sadar Police Officer-in-Charge Sarwar said, “Upon learning of the incident, we immediately deployed additional police to control the situation. No formal complaints have yet been filed at the police station regarding this matter.”
