Staff Reporter :
Dewanbagh Sharif, a renowned religious institution rooted in Tasawwuf, has vehemently condemned the recent wave of attacks, arson, and looting at various Darbar Sharifs and shrines across the country.
Addressing the media at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity Auditorium on Monday, former District and Sessions Judge Abdul Aziz Khalifa spoke on behalf of Professor Dr Kud-rate Kuda, the director of Dewanbagh Sharif.
In a written statement, the organisation clarified that Dewanbagh Sharif remains entirely apolitical, with its core mission being the pursuit of Allah’s satisfaction and that of His Prophet (PBUH).
The institution promotes kindness, love, and compassion towards people, aiming to shape their moral character.
Speaking at the press conference, Abdul Aziz Khalifa posed a pertinent question: “In whose interest is Dewanbagh Sharif repeatedly attacked, set on fire, and looted, despite its peaceful nature?”
Details were revealed regarding the most recent attacks. On Friday, 6 September 2024, Babe Jannat Dewanbagh Sharif, located in Dewanbagh village under Bandar Thana in Narayanganj District—founded by Sufi Emperor Hazrat Syed Mahbub-e-Khoda Dewanbagi (RA)—was subjected to an attack, set ablaze, vandalised, and looted by miscreants.
Just two days later, on Sunday, 8 September 2024, Baba Barkat Dewanbagh Sharif in Trishal Upazila of Mymensingh District experienced a similar assault. During these attacks, numerous innocent devotees were injured, with hundreds sustaining serious wounds, and one person tragically losing their life.
The press conference also noted that Dewanbagh Darbar Sharif had previously faced similar attacks in 1990 and 1999.
In its written statement, Dewanbagh Sharif called for unity among Tarikat Panthi followers, stressing that this crisis is not unique to their institution, but a broader issue affecting the peaceful Sufi community of Bangladesh.
“Now is the time to stand united against this oppression,” the statement urged.
It encouraged all Tarikat Panthi and Sufi followers to set aside their differences and join forces to resist those attempting to destroy peace.
Speakers at the event emphasised the role of the Sufi community in maintaining social harmony in Bangladesh and called upon the government to take firm legal action to prevent any vested interests from disrupting the peaceful activities of the pro-Sufi community or creating instability within the country.
Prominent figures in attendance included Professor Dr Mohammad Abdus Salam, former Chairman of the Department of Cardiology at Dhaka Medical College Hospital; Professor Dr Dewan Farukul Islam, Principal of Sirajul Islam Medical College and Hospital; Dr Md Aminul Islam, Burn and Plastic Surgeon; Hazratul Allam Emran Hossain Mazhari, member of the Al Quran Research Centre; and Islamic scholar Hazratul Allam Sabbir Ahmad Osmani. The programme was moderated by Associate Professor of PUB, Muhammad Nashiruddin Sohail.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take immediate action to halt the attacks on shrines across the country.
In response to a query from reporters following a meeting on law and order ahead of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, at the Secretariat, the adviser remarked, “It is my responsibility to ensure security so that no attacks are carried out. Law enforcers have been given clear directives in this regard.”
When asked specifically about the attack on Shah Poran’s shrine, the adviser noted, “I am not aware of the attack on Shah Poran’s shrine. However, we are taking steps to ensure the security of all such sites.”