Mob burns body of ‘Nural Pagla’ in Rajbari, attacks and vandalises tomb

Locals say that Nurul Haque had declared himself “Imam Mahdi” – an end times religious figure in Shia Islam – in the 80s

The body of Nurul Haque aka “Nural Pagla” – a man who had declared himself Imam Mahdi, an end times religious figure in Shia Islam – has been taken and burnt by a “Tawhidi Janata” mob in Rajbari’s Goalanda.

The mob also attacked his tomb and house, vandalised them, and set fires. More than 50 devotees at the location have been injured.

The incident occurred on Friday after Jummah prayers in the Mollapara aera of Goalanda Municipality’s Ward No. 5, said Goalanda Upazila Nirbahi (executive) Officer (UNO) Nahidur Rahman.

The UNO’s car, as well as two police vehicles, were also vandalised.

The body of Nurul was buried in a slightly raised grave and a likeness of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, was put up there, sparking discontent among the “Tawhidi Janata”. The local administration attempted to find a solution between the two sides.

After the Jummah prayers on Friday, in accordance with a previously announced programme, the “Tawhidi Janata” gathered at the Shaheed Mohiuddin Ansar Club to protest. They then broke through the gate leading Nurul’s house and tomb and entered. They then vandalised the tomb and set fires.

Police had been deployed in the area, but weren’t able to bring the situation under control due to the masses of people. Army and RAB personnel arrived later and managed to restore order.

The “Tawhidi Janata” retreated to a distance and continued their protest as Fire Service and Civil Defence attempted to put out the fire.

The Fire Service also took the injured to the Goalanda Upazila Health Complex.

The “Tawhidi Janata” then attacked again. This time they dug up Nurul’s body from his grave in front of the house, took it to the Padma intersection on the Dhaka-Khulna Highway and set it on fire.

Md Al Amin, a part of the “Tawhidi Janata”, said: “At one time, Nural Pagal claimed he was the Imam Mahdi. He had also claimed to be a god. His actions were against the Shariah. Pious Muslims cannot accept this. That is why the Janata vandalised Nural Pagal’s tomb. That is why we vandalised and burnt his house. We have also dug out his body from his grave and burnt it.”