Baul philosophy to help resist communalism: Noor

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DHAKA, June 12, 2018 (BSS) – Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor
today said people need to practise the philosophy of Baul, humanity, love and
unity in their lifetime to overcome communalism.

“The evil efforts of creating disputes among people and dividing them in
the name of religion have now intensified in recent times,” he said while
speaking at a discussion on ‘Baul Philosophy, Literature and Music’ at Cosmos
Centre here.

The Cultural Affairs Minister said Bangladesh is making tremendous progress
in many sectors despite facing the challenge of communalism.

“We should address the issue (communalism) involving youths with the spirit
of social harmony and patriotism. Youths need to be guided properly to do
something positive for the country,” he said.

Noor said Bangladesh walked towards the opposite direction after the
assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who
dreamt of a non-communal state.

He said Bauls in Bangladesh often come under attack for their lifestyle
while many came under such attacks several times over the past years.

“I don’t think those were isolated incidents. But, those were planned
attacks. Those who don’t believe in non-communal spirit carried out the
attacks on Bauls,” Noor observed.

The minister laid emphasis on showing the new generation the right
direction to maintain peace and harmony in the society, taking the message of
peace and love deep into the society.

Haider A Khan, John Evans Distinguished University Professor of Economics
at the University of Denver, USA, chaired the meeting.

Eminent Lalon researcher Dr Anwarul Karim, Cosmos Foundation Executive
Director Nahar Khan, Bangla Academy Deputy Director Dr Tapan Kumar Bagchi,
writer and researcher Sumon Kumar Das and musician Maqsoodul Haque, among
others, took part in the discussion.

Country has a rich heritage of Baul philosophy that got currency through
the superb music and tunes created by shadaks to the likes of Lalon, Hason
Raja, Shah Abdul Karim, Kanailal Shil, Radharaman Dutt, Shitalong Fakir,
Arkum Shah and Amiruddin.