Bangladeshi tolerance music festival scrapped after threats from Islamists

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

A Bangladeshi mystic sect promoting religious tolerance has cancelled their popular music festival after Islamist threats. The cancellation occurred in the aftermath of the overthrow of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August.
There has been a rise in religious violence, including attacks against Hindus (seen as supporters of the ousted government) and attacks on Muslim Sufi shrines by Islamic hardliners.

About the festival:

The two-day music festival was organized by followers of Lalon Shah, a 17th-century Bengali mystic and social reformer.
It celebrates Lalon Shah’s philosophy of religious tolerance and is a blend of Hinduism and Sufism rather than any specific religion.

About Lalon Shah:

Fakir Lalon Shah, also known as Mahatma Lalon, was a Bengali philosopher, social reformer, and mystic song composer who is considered a prominent figure in the Baul tradition.
He was born in Harishpur, Jhenaidah district, which is now part of modern Bangladesh.
He who promoted a message of religious tolerance and social reform through his songs. His philosophy combined elements of Hinduism and Sufism, emphasizing a spiritual connection over rigid religious doctrines.
The Bauls, ascetic followers of Lalon Shah, are known for their wandering lifestyle, singing songs of love and devotion while often defying traditional religious boundaries.