A protest demanding justice for attacks on Baul singers and calling for the release of detained artiste Abul Sarkar was disrupted in Shahbagh on Friday following a confrontation with a group identifying themselves as members of “July Mancha”.

The clash erupted around 5pm outside the Shahbagh Public Library, where the cultural organisation Sampriti Jatra was staging a programme titled “Ganer Artonad” (The Cry of Song).

Organisers alleged that the group marched to the venue, forcibly attempted to halt the event, and began chanting slogans against Baul Sarkar, leading to heightened tension and a brief scuffle at the scene.

Tension rose quickly, leading to a scuffle during which the attackers damaged the backdrop behind the stage. Singer Bithi Ghosh, one of the organisers claimed that a group using the name ‘July Mancha’ arrived and objected to their programme at Shahbagh which was ongoing.

“They broke the backdrop. They pushed and shoved, but we did not respond. We told them to let us continue and to hold their own programme elsewhere. After they left, we resumed the event.

Organisers said the incident occurred in front of Shahbagh Police Station, but police remained “passive”.

Shahbagh Police chief Md Khalid Monsur said, “We have not received any complaint of an attack, and nothing of that sort has come to our notice.”