A rally in Khulna protesting the nationwide attacks on shrines and Sufi sites -- and demanding the release of Baul Abul Sarkar -- has been attacked, leaving several activists of the left-leaning Democratic Students’ Alliance injured. Police and witnesses said several leftist organisations had earlier announced programmes demanding the release of Manikganj Baul Sarkar and protesting recent assaults and obstructions targeting Baul artistes and local cultural traditions. Before long, they declared they would resist those supporting Sarkar. Some among the counter-protesters warned they would resist anyone supporting the Baul artistes, shouting “Atheists will not be allowed in Khulna”. Earlier in the day, Baul artistes attempting to gather in Thakurgaon with the same demands also came under attack.
