Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that since Baul singer Shariat Sarkar was arrested he must have been involved in some kind of crime.
Her remarks came in response to JaSaD lawmaker Hasanul Huq Inu’s query during her question-and-answer session at parliament on Wednesday (Jan 22).
Saying that the arrest has nothing to do with Baul songs, she added that the law will take its course with singers who are involved with crimes.
“Can anyone guarantee those who sing Baul songs are above crimes? Obviously he was involved with some crime for which he was arrested,” she said.
Responding to queries on Baul singers being harassed and their hair cut off, Haina said, if anyone does it punitive actions will certainly be taken. “Cutting off someone’s hair or creating obstacles in performing songs without valid reason is not acceptable."
She said the Awami League government is committed to establishing the rule of law and the basic rights of the people.
Baul singer Shariat Sarkar was arrested on Jan 11 from Tangail over a case filed under the Digital Security Act for comments that “hurt religious sentiments” of Muslims.
The case documents said that he has been accused of criticising Muslim clerics who oppose singing and challenged anyone who can prove that music is forbidden in Islam.
The case was filed with the police on Jan 9 and after his arrest, a court put the Baul on a three-day remand.