Clash at Shah Ali Shrine sparks confusion over 'attack'

 
Visitors at the shrine of Sultanul Awliya Hazrat Shah Ali Baghdadi (R) in Mirpur were allegedly attacked by a group of local activists during an Urs gathering in the early hours of Friday, triggering confusion, competing claims and widespread concern after videos of the incident circulated online.

The incident reportedly took place around 1am inside the shrine premises, near an open field where devotees from different parts of the country had gathered for the annual religious observance. Eyewitnesses said around 70-80 people entered the area carrying sticks and confronted those present.

Several devotees alleged that the attackers were linked to Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir. However, Jamaat-e-Islami leader and local MP Mir Ahmad Bin Qasem denied any involvement of party activists, saying the incident was part of an "anti-drug operation".

Police officials also presented differing versions of the event. Darussalam Zone Assistant Commissioner of DMP Emdad Hossain said some individuals were allegedly found using drugs beside the shrine at night and were removed by locals. He acknowledged that sticks were seen in the hands of those involved in the videos but said assault allegations had not been fully confirmed.

Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner Md Mostak Sarkar said police had initially gone to the area for an anti-drug operation but later withdrew after "interference by curious people" complicated the situation.

The Officer-in-Charge of Shah Ali Police Station said some outsiders had gathered in the area and were allegedly smoking cannabis near the eastern side of the shrine, adding that they were removed by devotees themselves.

Despite these explanations, multiple videos circulating on social media show groups of people striking individuals with sticks, prompting strong criticism and raising questions over the actual nature of the incident.

No police presence is visible in the footage, and the identities of those involved remain disputed.

The incident has added to growing concerns over security at religious shrines. According to Maqam: Center for Sufi Heritage, 97 shrines across Bangladesh were reportedly attacked between August 2024 and December 2024, highlighting a pattern of repeated unrest around such sites.

Authorities have not yet issued a final, unified account of the incident, and investigations are ongoing.