Dhaka, Nov. 24 -- Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the arrest of Baul artiste Abul Sarkar in Manikganj and the mob attack on his supporters during a peaceful protest, warning that the incidents pose a serious threat to the country's religious, social and cultural diversity-as well as fundamental human rights.

In a statement on Sunday, TIB said such developments reflect a worrying rise in hostility toward religious coexistence, communal harmony and cultural pluralism, fuelled by extreme beliefs and growing intolerance within the majority community.

The organisation noted that while the artist was swiftly detained on allegations of "hurting religious sentiments," law enforcement remained "passive...