Clerics Demand Maximum Penalty for Abul Sarkar Over Blasphemy

Leaders of the Alem-Olama and Tawhidi Janata in Manikganj have demanded the maximum punishment for folk artist Abul Sarkar, who was arrested on blasphemy charges.

In a press conference held on Tuesday (November 25), the clerics alleged that a specific group is using the controversy to destabilize the country and heat up the political field ahead of the upcoming election by pressuring the authorities to release Abul Sarkar.

Maulana Mujibur Rahman, Vice-President of the Manikganj Hefazat-e-Islam, stated that the remarks made by Abul Sarkar about Almighty Allah during a pala gaan performance were “shameful” and constitute a “serious crime” under Islamic values and the constitution. Hefazat expressed concern that the artist might be released on bail due to external pressure.

Responding to questions, Hefazat’s Co-Law Secretary Omar Faruk clarified that they are not against art or Baul music, but stated that “distortion, derogatory remarks, or misinterpretation regarding religious matters are absolutely intolerable.”

The clerics also claimed that on Sunday, a peaceful procession of the Tawhidi Janata was met with ‘silent provocation’ by Abul Sarkar’s followers, leading to a clash where several people were injured. They demanded the withdrawal of the counter-case filed by the Baul community and warned of stricter action if the Alem-Olama are harassed.