Eminent columnist and writer Farhad Mazhar today said that the next national mass gathering of bauls, fakirs, and sadhus may be held in Manikganj, saying he will attend in person despite potential risks of attack.
"To those who beat up innocent bauls in Manikganj -- I will be there. If needed, you can beat me; I will take the beating. We do not seek revenge, but we will leave you with a lesson," he said at a protest rally organised under the banner of "Sadhuguru Bhokto O Oli-Awliya Ashekan Parishad" in front of Dhaka's Jatiya Press Club.
"What you are doing in the name of Islam has no relation to the religion… Those who oppress innocent people and resort to violence can never claim to be followers of the Prophet (PBUH)," he said.
Farhad Mazhar condemned the arrest of Baul Abul Sarkar and the subsequent attack on baul artists in Manikganj yesterday.
On November 20, Abul Sarkar, president of the Bangladesh Baul Samity, was arrested in Madaripur in connection with a case filed against him on charges of hurting religious sentiments.
At least three artistes were injured in an attack in Manikganj yesterday morning while preparing to form a human chain demanding the unconditional release of Abul Sarkar.
People under the banner of "Tawhidi Janata" allegedly carried out the attack in the stadium area of Manikganj town around 10:30am, witnesses said.
Farhad Mazhar urged all bauls, Sufis, and fakirs to unite and said they will soon hold a mass gathering for an entire day or three days at Shaheed Minar or any other public location.
"Abul Sarkar has been with us from the beginning of every movement. From events at the Shaheed Minar to any protest gathering, there hasn't been a single one where he wasn't by my side. By arresting him, you have essentially arrested me. I will not accept this," he added.
He also warned political groups not to exploit religion or unrest for strategic gains in the upcoming polls. He urged NCP, BNP and Jamaat to oppose the injustice.
"If you stand with the oppressors for votes, don't expect the people to bring you to power. The July uprising was the struggle of the oppressed against the powerful," he said.