Tensions flared in Manikganj on Sunday as rival groups clashed over the arrest of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who faces charges of making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah. Supporters of Sarkar staged a sit-in demanding his release, while members of the Islamist group Tawhidi Janata held a counter-protest calling for his maximum punishment and a ban on alleged anti-Islamic Baul activities. The confrontation turned violent near the city’s Shaheed Minar area, leaving four people injured, including three Baul followers and one Tawhidi Janata member. Police intervened and took the injured to Manikganj General Hospital. Authorities said the situation escalated suddenly despite initial peaceful demonstrations. Sarkar, president of the Bangladesh Baul Association, was arrested on November 20 following a complaint that he made blasphemous remarks during a musical event on November 1. His bail hearing was scheduled for November 23.