A case has been lodged in Dhaka against the renowned Baul singer Abul Sarkar over allegations of hurting religious sentiments and defamation. On Monday, 1 December, Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Juel Rana accepted the case and directed the Officer-in-Charge of Ramna Model Police Station to investigate the matter and submit a report.
The complaint was filed on 30 November by Dr. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, a professor in the Neurotrauma Surgery Department at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital. The allegations stem from a performance by Abul Sarkar on 4 November at a Pala musical event in Jabra, Ghiour, Manikganj.
According to the complaint, a portion of the performance video was subsequently circulated on social media, allegedly showing Sarkar making indecent remarks about Allah and distorting the recitation of Surah Nas from the Holy Quran. The complainant asserted that the singer’s conduct insulted Islamic beliefs and was intended to hurt religious sentiments.
The case has been filed under Sections 295 and 295(a) of the Penal Code 1860, which relate to acts intended to outrage religious feelings and defamation. Abul Sarkar is named as the sole accused in the case.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Abul Sarkar |
| Complainant | Dr. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Professor, National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital |
| Incident Date | 4 November 2025 |
| Location | Pala musical event, Jabra, Ghiour, Manikganj |
| Allegations | Hurt religious sentiments, defamation, distortion of Surah Nas |
| Legal Provisions | Sections 295 & 295(a), Penal Code 1860 |
| Police Action | Investigation ordered by Metropolitan Magistrate; report to be submitted by Ramna Model Police Station |
Authorities have not yet commented on the status of the investigation, and Abul Sarkar has not made a public statement regarding the allegations. The case has drawn attention due to the singer’s prominence in the Baul music community and the sensitive nature of the claims.
Observers note that cases under Sections 295 and 295(a) are often subject to close scrutiny in Bangladesh, reflecting the country’s legal safeguards for religious sentiments. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings will be closely watched by both cultural and religious communities.