Khanqah sharif vandalised in Rajshahi
An agitated mob vandalised a khanqah sharif at Paba upazila in Rajshahi today (5 September).
The incident took place in Panishail Chandrapukur village of Bargarhi union at noon.
The khanqah, named "Haq Baba Gausul Azam Maiz Bhandari Gausia Pak Darbar Sharif", was established about 15 years ago by local resident Azizur Rahman Bhandari on his own property. Bhandari is known to his followers as a pir.
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Every year, the khanqah hosts Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations, and this year's three-day event began yesterday.
Paba Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam said the attack took place before police arrived at the scene.
"The mob targeted the khanqah alleging obscene dancing and drug use. A tin structure at the site was destroyed during the attack," he said.
The OC added that action would be taken if a written complaint is filed.
Bhandari, however, said he would not file any complaint, stating, "The police were present, DB officers were there, even the OC himself. They did not protect us — so who can I complain to?"
He also said, "For several days, some locals were disrupting our event. Last night, they even went to Paba Police Station to try to halt it. I don't know what was discussed with the police. After Jumma prayers today, they gathered and attacked the khanqah. My followers did not let me to come out, so the attackers threw bricks and stones at my house instead."
