Paris, France; September 10, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is profoundly concerned about the recent surge of attacks on Sufi shrines and religious sites across Bangladesh, which have intensified following the resignation of the former Awami League government on August 5, 2024. These acts of violence and vandalism not only erode religious harmony but also jeopardize the country’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.Shrines, typically constructed around the tombs of Sufi saints or religious figures, are places where people come to pray and make vows (mannat) in hopes of fulfilling their wishes. However, there are differing scholarly opinions on how closely shrine veneration aligns with Islamic teachings.
JMBF is alarmed by the recent wave of shrine demolitions and attacks, which have targeted Sufi shrines—often revered sites of spiritual significance. The perpetrators of these acts argue that certain practices at these shrines, such as vows and music, contradict Islamic principles. Nevertheless, shrine culture has long been integral to Islamic history and the Sufi tradition in Bangladesh.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF stated, “The destruction of shrines and religious sites is a grave violation of human rights and an assault on the core values of tolerance and diversity. It is imperative that those responsible for these egregious acts are held accountable, and that the rights of all religious communities are safeguarded. We call upon the Bangladeshi government to take immediate and decisive action to address these atrocities.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladeshi human rights defender and Founder President of JMBF, added, “The recent demolitions of shrines and attacks on Sufi followers are deeply alarming. These actions reflect a troubling trend of religious intolerance and extremism. We demand thorough investigations into these incidents, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and the implementation of comprehensive security measures to protect all religious sites. The government must ensure the safety and well-being of all Sufi followers while upholding the principles of justice and human dignity.”
JMBF also highlights that these incidents pose a growing threat to religious tolerance, social stability, and the preservation of Bangladesh’s Sufi heritage. There is an increasing call for the government and law enforcement agencies to act effectively to prevent further violence and to uphold religious harmony and cultural preservation.
JMBF demands the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the destruction of shrines, mausoleums, and Khanqahs (Sufi lodges) across the country. Additionally, JMBF calls for prompt legal action against mosques that promote extremism and militancy, which has led to the vandalism of Sufi shrines and mausoleums.
Moreover, JMBF urges comprehensive investigations into all injuries resulting from extremist attacks on Sufi followers, with a focus on identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators. JMBF also calls for the implementation of robust security measures to protect all shrines, mausoleums, and Khanqahs across the country.
JMBF demands the arrest and prosecution of those using social media to incite religious violence through provocative statements. It insists on guaranteeing the safety and security of all Sufi followers to uphold true freedom in the country.
Lastly, JMBF demands that all Sufi followers injured in extremist attacks receive proper medical and psychological treatment, along with adequate financial compensation, as soon as possible.
JMBF urges the international community to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh and support efforts to uphold religious freedom and cultural preservation in the face of rising extremism and violence.
Fact in Brief:
According to news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, JMBF has learned that following the resignation of the former Awami League government on August 5, 2024, several shrines have been attacked, vandalized, and set on fire, resulting in injuries. Some of these attacks were perpetrated by groups responding to calls for shrine demolitions spread through social media events.
Attack on Hazrat Shah Paran (R.A.) Shrine in Sylhet:
In the early hours of Tuesday, September 10, around 3 AM, a group of miscreants attacked the Shah Paran (R.A.) shrine in Sylhet, leaving at least 15 people injured. The assault occurred during the annual Urs festival, a religious event held in honor of the saint. The attackers, armed with sticks, stormed the shrine and caused significant damage. When the police and locals intervened to stop the violence, a confrontation followed, resulting in injuries to both law enforcement officers and civilians.
The Hazrat Shah Paran (R.A.) shrine has previously faced scrutiny. The shrine authorities recently announced that, during the annual Urs, music and performances would be prohibited. Syed Kabul Ahmed, a key caretaker of the shrine, declared in a press conference that all forms of music and musical instruments were banned for the duration of the festival.
Attack on Narayanganj's Dewanbagh Shrine:
On September 6, several thousand people from nearby villages attacked, looted, and set fire to the Dewanbagh Pir shrine located in Dewan Monohor Khan’s Garden in Narayanganj's Bandar Upazila. On Thursday evening, followers of Dewanbagh Pir were preparing for his birthday celebrations when worshippers from the nearby Dewanbagh Jame Mosque confronted them. A clash broke out between the two groups, involving stone-throwing. The following Friday morning, worshippers from ten nearby villages, after gathering upon announcements made from mosque loudspeakers, attacked the Dewanbagh Pir’s shrine. They broke through the gates, vandalized, looted, and set two tin sheds on fire.
Earlier, on August 25, an old shrine named Aynal Shah Dargah in Narayanganj’s Sonargaon Upazila was also demolished, according to media reports.
Demolition of Eight Shrines in Cumilla:
On September 9, after Fajr prayers, a group of people destroyed eight shrines in Nangalkot, Cumilla. The incident occurred across several villages, including Hiazora, Moukara, and Khatchou. The demolished shrines included the Hiazora Tipu Shrine, Tipu's Father’s Dayal Abul Kashem Shrine, Gani Shah Shrine, Teteya Shrine, Baghmara Dewan Shah Shrine, Fatehpur Petan Shah Shrine, Khatchou Shrine, and Khatchou Shah Jalal Shrine. Locals, such as Raushan Ara Begum, reported that her husband’s shrine was destroyed, while attackers looted and vandalized their home in search of her son Tipu.
Attack on Dewanbagh Pir's Dargah in Mymensingh:
On September 8, an attack occurred at the Dewanbagh Pir’s dargah in Trishal, Mymensingh, following an announcement on social media. Stones were thrown, and several people were injured during clashes between attackers and dargah followers before law enforcement restored order. The violence followed a widespread call on Facebook for the dargah's demolition.
Multiple Attacks on Shrines in Sirajganj:
In Sirajganj, several shrines have been attacked, with the most recent incident occurring on September 3, when Ismail Pagla's shrine in Haripur village was vandalized. Earlier, on August 29, the Ali Pagla shrine in Kazipur Upazila was also destroyed, with a video of the incident spreading on Facebook. The footage showed a group of mostly young men, dressed in traditional Islamic attire, demolishing the shrine with sticks and hammers. The local mosque imam led the attack, supported by villagers who gathered at the local market before marching to the shrine.
Destruction of the 300-Year-Old Bibi Sokhina Shrine in Thakurgaon:
According to a report by Nagorik Television, on July 11, the 300-year-old Bibi Sokhina Shrine in Thakurgaon’s Ranishankoil Upazila was destroyed under the cover of night. The shrine had been a place of pilgrimage for years, where people made vows and offerings.
Additionally, several other shrines were vandalized following the resignation of the previous government, including shrines at Parulia, Palash, Narsingdi, Garib Shah Baba Shrine in Chattogram, Chandpuri Darbar Sharif in Laksam, Cumilla, Shah Sufi Abul Hasan Chishti's Rauza Sharif in Khulna, Akkel Ali Shah's Shrine in Raipura, Narsingdi, Bar Auliya's Shrine in Chattogram, Wayesiya Darbar Sharif in Ghior, Manikganj, Malek Shah Darbar in Laksam, Cumilla, and Hazrat Haidar Shah Yemeni (RA) Shrine in Hazaribagh, Dhaka.
Amidst this, a new event titled "Demolition of Gulistan Golap Shah Shrine" has been announced, scheduled for September 11 at the Golap Shah Shrine in Dhaka’s Gulistan. Around 13,000 people have already responded to this event.
Thank you.
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: www.jmbf.org
============================================================ JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
No comments:
Post a Comment