In the past six months, 80 shrines and Sufi centers have been attacked

According to the Global Sufi Organisation, over the past six months, more than 80 mazars (shrines) and darbar sharifs (Sufi centres) have been attacked by extremist groups across the country.

During a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday, the Global Sufi Organisation presented a four-point demand: an immediate judicial investigation into all attacks, increased security for religious sites, a ban on anti-Sufi sermons at mosques and religious gatherings, and compensation for the damaged properties and the affected families.

The organisation also called for executive orders instructing law enforcement agencies to safeguard these religious sites and their followers. Hasan Shah Dipu Noore, a member of the organisation’s central executive committee, emphasized that Sufi followers are peaceful and not involved in any criminal activities. He stressed that everyone in the country should have the freedom to practice their own religion. 

He expressed concern over the attacks on Sufi followers, saying it was a deeply troubling issue. 

The Global Sufi Organisation represents 5,000 shrines, darbar sharifs, and their followers across Bangladesh. It has warned that any further attacks on Sufi communities will be met with strong resistance. Representatives from shrines and darbar sharifs in Dhamrai, Sirajganj, Mymensingh, Narsingdi, and Gazipur, all of which were targeted, also shared their experiences of the attacks during the briefing.

To underscore the severity of the situation, the organisation presented a documentary about the attacks.

Outlining their four-point demand, the organisation called for a judicial investigation to identify the perpetrators and ensure they face exemplary punishment. They also called for enhanced security at all religious sites.

The organisation urged measures to safeguard religious harmony, coexistence, and peace in the country. They asked the authorities to issue directives through the Islamic Foundation and other relevant ministries to prevent negative sermons about mazars, darbar sharifs, and Sufism from being delivered at mosques or religious gatherings (Waz Mahfils).

On January 18, the government reported that at least 40 mazars and darbar sharifs had been targeted in 44 attacks since August 4 of the previous year. It stated that 15 cases and 29 general diaries (GDs) had been filed, with 23 suspects arrested.

However, Hasan Shah Dipu Noore noted that many victims were too afraid to file complaints due to fear of retaliation.

The press briefing was attended by several members of the organisation's central executive committee, including Mohammad Ahsanul Haque, a professor at Dhaka University’s Persian Language and Literature department; Aftab Alam Zilani, Nasir Uddin Chishti, Maulana Tauhidul Islam Chishti, and Shah Alauddin.