Attacks on 40 Sufi shrines, graveyards reported since Aug 4

The attacks on shrines and the devotees, vandalism, looting and arson, police say

Police say that 44 attacks have been reported on 40 Sufi shrines, graveyards, and tombs in different parts of Bangladesh since Aug 4.

The Chief Advisor’s Office made a statement on the report on Saturday.

The statement said:

“Bangladesh Police have received reports of 44 vandal attacks on 40 Shrines [Mazar/Sufi Graveyards, Dargahs] in some areas of the country since Aug 4, 2024. The incidents include vandalism and attacks on shrines and devotees, looting of shrine properties, setting fires on the shrines, etc.”

The Dhaka Division saw the most reported attacks with 17, the Chattogram Division saw 10, while the Mymensingh Division saw seven. Four of the attacks took place on a single shrine in Mymensingh’s Sherpur.

“Legal action has been taken in all 44 of the attack incidents. These actions include the filing of 15 regular cases and 29 general diaries (GDs) with different police stations on receiving complaints from the aggrieved persons or suo moto by the police,” the statement said.

Twenty-three suspects have been arrested in connection with the cases and chargesheets have been submitted to courts in two cases. Investigations of the other cases and general diaries are ongoing, the CAO said.

Police are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the shrines, graveyards, and tombs across the country, the statement said.

Victims have been requested to file any complaints with the police.

The CAO said that attempts have been made to solve issues locally by arranging peaceful meetings with the parties in conflict and sensitisation programmes have been emphasised with the participation of the public and Islamic leaders through community policing.

“The interim government holds a zero-tolerance policy towards any attacks on shrines. All police units have been ordered to investigate cases stringently and arrest all persons involved in the attack incidents. The government attaches the highest importance to the safety and security of the establishments [Mazars & Dargahs] in the country,” the statement said.

Amid a wave of criticism and outrage, the government continued to talk about taking action to stop these incidents, but the issue subsided in the next few months.

On Jan 8, a Milad Mahfil, Dua, and Sama Qawwali programme at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Sufi Syed Kalu Shah (RA) in the heart of Mymensingh city was disrupted by an attack by hundreds of madrasa students.

At night, they destroyed part of the 200-year-old shrine.

Following the attack, Mahfuj Alam, advisor to the interim government, said:

"We regret that clear action has not been taken in response to these attacks. From now on, any attack on a music festival or shrine will lead to action, and no one will be spared. We are committed to taking strict action in this regard."

He said, “We have collected information about the incidents that occurred after Aug 5.”

“Those who are aggrieved should file a case, and we will take action.”