A group of students has organized a cultural event titled "Protibadi Baul Sondha" at Dhaka University's Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) to protest attacks on Baul artists.
The cultural program was held on Monday at 6pm at TSC's Payra Chattar.
One of the key organizers of this cultural event is Monowar Hossain Pranto, convener of the Dhaka University Surja Sen Hall unit of Chhatra Dal.
Members of various TSC-based organizations are also participating in the event in their individual capacities.
Manowar Hossain Pranto told the Dhaka Tribune: "Baul philosophy represents Bengal's folk culture, humanism, and equality. It has enriched this land's tradition of free thinking for hundreds of years. Standing above religion, caste, and clan, the teachings of introspection and equality that Baul practitioners have been imparting have made our society more tolerant and cooperative."
"The recent attacks on Baul artists have deeply concerned us. Such assaults are not just against an individual artist—they are a clear attack on our national heritage, culture, and social harmony," he added,
Among the organizers, Ferdous Siddique Saymon, convener of the Sir AF Rahman Hall unit of Chhatra Dal, said attacks on arts and culture are unacceptable in a democratic society.
He added: "We are committed to equal dignity for all citizens of Bangladesh, freedom of expression, and cultural security. A stable and progressive state is built on culture and human values, not religious intolerance."
Abid-Ur Rahman Mishu, member secretary of the Surja Sen Hall unit of Chhatra Dal and one of the organizers, said: "Baul philosophy is not just an art form; it is a path of free thinking, equality, and humanity. Everyone—the state, society, and the political sphere—must stand together to protect this path."
The organizers raised four demands through this program--swift, impartial, and transparent investigation of the attacks; legal action against the perpetrators; ensuring the safety of Baul and other cultural communities; and coordinated social initiatives against hate, incitement, and violence.