Paris, Nov 24 (NationPress) An esteemed global human rights organization has vehemently criticized the “unlawful arrest” of Baul artist Abul Sarkar in Bangladesh, labeling the claims of “religious defamation” against him as “fabricated and baseless.”

In a statement, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) condemned the violent assault by an Islamist extremist faction known as “Touhidi Janata” on a peaceful human chain in Manikganj district on Sunday, urging for the unconditional release of Sarkar.

According to local media reports, JMBF noted that during the extremist onslaught, three Baul music followers—Abdul Alim, Johurul, and Ariful Islam—sustained serious injuries.

“The ability of the attackers to inflict such violence with near impunity, despite the presence of law enforcement, showcases a serious failure of the state to protect cultural activists and peace-loving citizens. This scenario is deeply troubling,” the rights organization stated.

On the night of November 19, JMBF reported that the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police apprehended Sarkar at a music event in Madaripur district. They alleged that the charges against him stem from a “distorted, misleading, and intentionally edited video” circulated online.

Eyewitnesses and fellow artists assert that the video mischaracterized Sarkar’s original comments.

Expressing alarm, JMBF indicated that despite this, Sarkar was arrested on charges of “hurting religious sentiments,” highlighting a disturbing trend of misuse of this law against artists, human rights advocates, and free thinkers in Bangladesh.

“The silence of the current interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has allowed Islamist fundamentalist groups to escalate attacks, lawsuits, and persecution against the arts, literature, cultural activists, shrines, and cultural heritage. This is extremely concerning,” remarked JMBF’s Founder President and prominent human rights attorney, Shahanur Islam.

“What is even more disheartening is the ongoing silence from the international community, despite their awareness of these events. Such inaction is unacceptable. We urgently call upon the international community to intervene immediately to halt these human rights abuses,” he added.

JMBF demanded the immediate, unconditional release of Sarkar and the dismissal of the charges against him.

They also advocated for continuous international oversight to prevent and address the misuse of “religious defamation” or “hurting religious sentiments” laws in Bangladesh, ensuring the safety and protection of cultural activists, minority communities, artists, and participants in peaceful assemblies.