Prominent Bangladeshi artists, musicians and cultural figures have united to call for immediate government action following the vandalism of a home belonging to China Begum, a 90-year-old follower of Lalon Shah, in Takimara village of Kushtia Sadar upazila last month.
This incident sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing persecution against Baulsand fakirs, communities with deep-rooted cultural significance in Bangladesh.
On June 26, vandals allegedly destroyed the home of China Begum, widow of the late Gazi Uddin Fakir, situated next to her husband's grave. China, who sustained injuries while attempting to protect her home, accused the attackers of mobilizing through mosque loudspeaker instructions and included 50 individuals in her complaint to local police.
In response, 53 artists, including filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, writer Altaf Shahnewaz, and musicians Bappa Mazumder and George Lincoln D'Costa, issued a strong statement condemning the attack and drawing attention to the historical persecution of Bauls and fakirs.
The signatories emphasized the importance of these cultural figures, who have long been messengers of peace and humanity, bridging Muslim and Hindu communities.
"Persecution of Bauls, fakirs, and rural poets happened during the medieval period, British rule, and Pakistani rule. But such actions are completely unacceptable in an independent Bangladesh," the statement read.
It talked about how these communities were oppressed because they were seen as revolutionary during colonial times and expressed regret that they are still being victimized today.
The artists' collective made several demands to the government to protect Bauls, fakirs, and Lalon followers.
They urgedthe authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security and called for prompt justice and punishment for any attacks or persecution against them.
They also emphasized the need for complete freedom for their cultural activities without any obstruction and to increase public awareness about the culture and contributions of Bauls, fakirs, and Lalon followers.
"We urgently call on the government to take effective steps to stop the persecution against them immediately. We also request that instructions be given to various levels of administration - district, upazila, union, and village - to ensure their protection and respect," the statement added.