TIB condemns attack on Shah Ali Shrine

FE Team | Published: May 16, 2026 23:14:46

FE REPORT
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly condemned and protested the recent attack on the historic Shah Ali Shrine in the capital's Mirpur area.
Protesting the attack on the shrine, the TIB described the incident as contrary to the core spirit and objectives of Bangladesh's independence and the July Movement.
The TIB in a statement issued on Saturday made the remarks and also demanded strict government action to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible for attack on the shrine.
At the same time, in light of allegations of involvement, TIB called on Jamaat-e-Islami and other religion-based political parties and organisations to clarify their policy positions regarding Bangladesh's folk heritage, cultural diversity, and the right to coexistence.
"This shameless and cowardly attack reflects the rise of forces opposed to Bangladesh's folk heritage during the tenure of the interim government in the post-authoritarian context following the bloodstained July Movement, as well as the continued violent and conspiratorial acts against pluralism, religious diversity, and cultural diversity across the country," said the TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman in a statement.
A group of people attacked the Shah Ali shrine in the capitals' Mirpura area on early Friday, using sticks and forcing devotees of the saint to flee.
Videos and photos of the incident have already gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.
Visitors and locals have accused leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami of carrying out the attack.
Police have also said they have received similar allegations.
However, Jamaat has denied any involvement.
The attack has raised fears among devotees of Shah Ali, amid concerns over a continuing pattern of shrine attacks across the country since the July 2024 mass uprising.
The centuries-old shrine of Shah Ali Baghdadi in Section 1 of Mirpur hosts weekly gatherings every Thursday night, attended by devotees from Dhaka and other parts of the country.
Locals said the attack occurred during such a gathering when a group of people carrying sticks suddenly arrived and began assaulting devotees and followers.
Videos circulating on social media show several people beating visitors at the shrine with sticks.
Witnesses and police sources said devotees and visitors from different areas were sitting on mats and polythene sheets on the eastern side of the shrine premises, where hawkers were also selling goods.
Around 1:00 am on Friday, a group of people wearing surgical masks and carrying sticks attacked them, causing panic and a stampede-like situation. Several people were injured as devotees fled the scene.
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