Hundreds storm resort in Dinajpur, torch shrine after clash with staff

Police say situation has been brought under control after talks with protesters

Hundreds of people under the banner of "Towhidi Janata" have stormed a resort in Biral Upazila of Dinajpur, vandalising property and setting fire to a shrine inside, in what police described as a “mob-like situation”.

The unrest broke out in the afternoon at the Jibon Mahal resort near Kanchan intersection on Thursday, following accusations of “immoral and anti-Islamic activities”.

Police Superintendent Marufat Hossain said the attack left several people injured during an hour-long spell of clashes, vandalism and arson.

Witnesses said the resort, owned by Jibon Choudhury, houses a shrine inside its compound. Protesters marched towards the resort and attempted to enter. When staff resisted, both sides engaged in a series of back-and-forth chases.

Eventually, the protesters broke through the gate, ransacked the facilities and torched the shrine. Police arrived but were unable to contain the violence against the crowd of hundreds. Army personnel later joined, and together with police brought the situation under control.

At 5pm, Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam and Superintendent Marufat visited the site to inspect the damage.

Marufat said, “The situation has been brought under control. We spoke with the protesters and calmed them down.”

The district administrator added, “We are trying to maintain peace by speaking to both sides. If any immoral or anti-Islamic activity takes place here, it will certainly be stopped.”

One of the protesters, Fazlur Rahman, alleged that owner Jibon had been running “immoral entertainment” and using the shrine for “anti-Islamic activities”. He claimed, “When we protested, he set his gang of thugs upon us.”