India, Nov. 25 -- The arrest of 'baul' singer in Bangladesh for allegedly hurting the public's sentiments and subsequent Islamists attack on fellow mystic minstrels over the past few days ahs drawn sharp criticism from eminent Bangladeshi civil society members who claimed that religious strife had increased since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government.

"In the period following the July mass uprising (that toppled prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League regime in 2024), religious extremism has surged," news agency PTI quoted a statement signed by 250 distinguished citizens.

It said a particular group has emerged as a 'sole agent' of Islam, embarking on a purge across the country, adding that the "weapon of choice" has consistentl...