Bangladesh is experiencing a rise in cultural intolerance, marked by attacks on shrines, minorities, journalists, and cultural organizations, reportedly linked to the radical Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami. The involvement of Jamaat-affiliated individuals in these attacks, along with alleged administrative inaction even in the presence of law enforcement, has raised concerns about political influence and impunity. Recent incidents include assaults on two Sufi shrines in Bangladesh, with mobs vandalizing sites and causing harm to individuals.
At least two Sufi shrines in Bangladesh have been targeted by Islamist groups in the past two months, indicating a concerning trend of violence. The first attack occurred on April 11, resulting in the death of a spiritual leader during an assault on a shrine in Kushtia. Subsequently, on May 14, a mob attacked the centuries-old shrine of Hazrat Shah Ali Baghdadi in Dhaka, causing destruction and physical harm to individuals. Despite denials from Jamaat, evidence suggests their involvement in these incidents.
Following the attack on the shrine in Mirpur on May 14, authorities apprehended three individuals with alleged ties to Jamaat, based on video evidence. The report also highlights connections between Jamaat members and violent acts targeting shrines and spiritual centers across Bangladesh. The surge in such incidents has been noted since the change in government, raising concerns about the normalization of mob justice and the need for strong political action against violence.
The escalation of violent acts targeting shrines and Sufi institutions in Bangladesh has been linked to Jamaat leaders and workers, underscoring the need for a concerted effort to address this growing issue. A recent study revealed that numerous shrines were attacked during a specific period, resulting in casualties and injuries. The report emphasizes the urgent need for political intervention to prevent the normalization of violence and its potential expansion to other social or religious groups.
