The High Court has granted six months of interim bail to Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was arrested and detained over allegations of making derogatory remarks about religious sentiments. At the same time, the court issued a rule questioning the legal basis of the case, the admissibility of the allegations, and the procedural validity of the proceedings. The final outcome of the matter will depend on the hearing of this rule.
The bench, comprising Justice Md Atowar Rahman and Justice Md Sogir Hossain, delivered the order following an extensive hearing of the bail petition on Sunday. The court observed that, at this preliminary stage, there were sufficient grounds to consider temporary release pending further judicial scrutiny of the case records.
Senior counsel Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajal appeared on behalf of Abul Sarkar, arguing that although the charge sheet refers to alleged offences relating to religious offence and incitement, it does not contain adequate evidence or legally substantive material to justify continued detention. He submitted that the allegations are weak in evidentiary value and that the offences, even if considered in abstract, are bailable in nature.
Representing the State, Deputy Attorney General Sultana Akhtar Ruby emphasised the seriousness of the allegations, particularly the claim that religious sentiments had been offended. She urged the court to consider the broader implications of the case in maintaining public order and respecting religious sensitivities.
According to court sources, the bail application had earlier been rejected by the lower court, prompting the defence to move the High Court. After reviewing the available documents and preliminary submissions, the court found it appropriate to grant interim relief until the rule is finally disposed of. The bench also clarified that there would be no legal barrier to Sarkar’s release provided he is not detained in connection with any other case.
The case originates from an incident on 4 November in Jabra village under Ghior upazila of Manikganj district, where comments made during a folk music and traditional performance event reportedly circulated on social media, triggering widespread controversy. The remarks were alleged to have offended religious sentiments and sparked public debate across social and political circles.
Subsequently, on the night of 19 November, Abul Sarkar was detained from a musical gathering in Madaripur by law enforcement agencies. He was produced before the court on 20 November and sent to jail following the registration of a case at Ghior Police Station, which included allegations of hurting religious sentiment and making provocative statements.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 4 November | Controversy arises over remarks at a folk event in Ghior, Manikganj |
| 19 November | Detained from a musical gathering in Madaripur |
| 20 November | Sent to jail through court order |
| Subsequent period | Bail petition submitted to High Court |
| Sunday | Six-month interim bail granted by High Court |
Although the order opens the door for Abul Sarkar’s temporary release, the case itself remains unresolved. The High Court’s rule will determine in due course whether the allegations stand on firm legal ground and whether the prosecution’s case can withstand judicial scrutiny. Meanwhile, the decision has generated mixed reactions within cultural and Baul music communities, reflecting a broader debate on freedom of expression and religious sensitivity in artistic performance.