Dhaka, Nov. 28 -- A protest demanding justice for attacks on Baul singers and the release of detained artiste Abul Sarkar had been disrupted in Shahbagh after a confrontation with a group identifying themselves as members of "July Mancha".

The scuffle broke out around 5pm on Friday outside the Shahbagh Public Library, where cultural group Sampriti Jatra was holding a programme titled "Ganer Artonad" (The Cry of Song).

Organisers alleged the group arrived with a march, demanded the event be stopped, and chanted slogans against Baul Sarkar.

Tension rose quickly, leading to a scuffle during which the attackers damaged the backdrop behind the stage.

Singer Bithi Ghosh, one of the organisers, said: "Our event had begun, discussions were ta...