The arrest of Baul singer Maharaj Abul Sarkar has intensified a national debate over religion, law, and artistic freedom in Bangladesh. Accused of hurting religious sentiment during a stage performance, Sarkar was detained and jailed, prompting protests, counter-rallies, and violent clashes. Artists and civil society leaders warn the case reflects a wider pattern of pressure on folk and syncretic traditions, with blasphemy-style accusations increasingly used to suppress cultural expression.
Bangladesh: The government reaffirms commitment to free expression, dismissing claims of pre-publication book censorshi
Artists played a crucial role in Dhaka's fight for freedom during the recent student-led revolution in Bangladesh. The creative community utilized various art forms to express dissent, inspire change, and document the struggle against oppression.
