Shakil Talukder ; Dhaka: The High Court has granted six months of bail to prominent Baul singer Abul Sarkar in a case filed over allegations of hurting religious sentiments. The court also issued a rule asking why he should not be granted permanent bail in this matter.
A High Court bench consisting of Justice Md. Atowar Rahman and Justice Md. Sogir Hossain passed the order on Monday (April 6), following a hearing on the bail petition.
Lawyer Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajal represented the petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Sultana Akter Rubi appeared on behalf of the state.
Background of the Case
The allegations stem from a folk song performance (Palagaan) held on November 4 at the ‘Khala Pagli Mela’ in the Jabra area of Ghior Upazila, Manikganj. It was alleged that Abul Sarkar made derogatory comments regarding religion during the performance. A video of his remarks subsequently went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism.
Following the incident, a team from the Manikganj Detective Branch (DB) of police detained Abul Sarkar from a musical event in Madaripur on the night of November 19. He was brought to the Manikganj DB office the following morning.
Legal Proceedings
On the afternoon of November 20, a man named Mufti Md. Abdullah filed a case against the singer at Ghior Police Station. Abul Sarkar was subsequently shown arrested in that case and sent to jail by the Manikganj Senior Judicial Magistrate’s Court. After being denied relief in lower courts, the singer moved to the High Court seeking bail.