TIB condemns attack on Shah Ali shrine in Mirpur, urges govt to ensure exemplary punishment
The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned the recent attack at the shrine of Shah Ali Baghdadi in Mirpur allegedly carried out by local activists linked to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and termed it an assault on Bangladesh's folk heritage, pluralism and cultural diversity.
In a statement issued today (16 May), the TIB also urged the government to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible and called on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and other religion-based political parties and organisations to clarify their stance on the country's folk traditions, cultural diversity and coexistence.
Earlier on 15 May, the incident took place around 1am during a weekly gathering and Urs held beside a field inside the shrine premises.
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However, Jamaat denied the involvement of party activists.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the attack reflected the rise of forces opposed to Bangladesh's folk heritage in the current political context following the 2024 July Uprising.
"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," he said.
He alleged that violent and conspiratorial acts targeting pluralism, religious diversity and cultural practices were continuing across the country, adding that the incident could not be viewed as isolated.
"Rather, it is part of a far-reaching plan to spread hatred and violence, destroy the spaces and means of practicing the liberal folk traditions and cultural diversity of the Bengali people, and strengthen communal forces," he added.
Iftekharuzzaman said the government, elected with overwhelming public support, had a responsibility to uphold Bangladesh's traditions of multiculturalism, religious freedom and coexistence while preventing such incidents.
The TIB has urged the government to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the attack, identify those involved and ensure strict punishment.
The anti-corruption watchdog also said previous attacks on Bauls, mystics and shrines had often gone unpunished, which encouraged similar incidents.
"It is not enough for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami merely to deny the allegations of involvement by its activists," Iftekharuzzaman said.
"We call upon them and other religion-based political parties to clearly state their position regarding the core spirit of Bangladesh's independence and the July Movement, as well as the country's proud tradition of coexistence among cultural, spiritual and social diversity."
The TIB further said the constitution guarantees every individual the right to preserve and practise their own faith, religion and culture regardless of ethnicity, religion, caste or belief, and stressed that ensuring these rights is the responsibility of both the government and political parties.
