Residents demand heritage protection for Khaki Dewan, Chiknai Dewan shrines in Kushtia

Residents of Khoksa Upazila in Kushtia have called for the preservation of the shrines (Mazar Sharif) of two sibling Sufi saints, Khaki Dewan and Chiknai Dewan, by declaring them official archaeological heritage sites.

Historical accounts suggest that the two spiritual figures arrived in Bengal from the Middle East, specifically Baghdad, with the mission of spreading the message of Islam. 

They later settled in Uthali village, located about five miles north of Khoksa railway station. At that time, the region was under the feudal authority of Rani Bhabani of Natore.

A well-known folk legend recounts an extraordinary incident from that period. It is said that when Rani Bhabani sent her tax collectors to the saints, one of the envoys later appeared at the queen’s court riding a tiger to deliver the taxes. 

Shocked by this miraculous event, Rani Bhabani is believed to have exempted the saints from taxation out of deep respect. Following this, they continued their spiritual mission without interruption.

Even today, stories of their spiritual influence and reputed healing abilities continue to attract devotees from across the country. Abdur Rashid Master, treasurer of the Mazar Management Committee, said that an annual prayer gathering (Doa Mahfil) is held on the 9th of Agrahayan to honor their legacy.

The title “Khaki” is derived from the Persian word khak, meaning soil or earth. According to local tradition, the saints were known for their humility, often covering themselves with dust or wearing earth-toned garments, which led to this name.

In Bangladesh, the management and protection of archaeological assets are governed by the Antiquities Act of 1968. Local residents are now urging the government to officially declare these shrines as “Protected Antiquities” through a gazette notification to ensure their preservation for future generations.

SI/SH