Dhaka, Nov. 24 -- Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooki has defended his actions amid intense social media criticism over the arrest of Baul artiste Abul Sarkar in Manikganj's Saturia over insulting religion.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, he said the oppression of Baul singers has a long history, adding he acted appropriately after learning of Abul's arrest.

"Our job is to take action. It's not about sitting in government and making statements," he wrote.

Abul was arrested and sent to jail on Nov 20 for allegedly insulting Allah during a singing event in Ghior Upazila, Manikganj.

He is married to Aleya Begum, singer of Kotha Koyo Na on Coke Studio Bangla. Their daughter Innima Rashmi is also a singer.

A Baul devotee named S...