A self-proclaimed spiritual figure has been beaten and hacked to death by a mob in western Bangladesh, after allegations that he made offensive remarks about religion resurfaced online.
The attack took place on Saturday afternoon in Philipnagar village of Daulatpur upazila in Kushtia district, where the man had established a shrine. His residence and prayer site were also vandalised and set on fire during the violence.
Police identified the deceased as Shamim Reza, also known as Jahangir, while local accounts and law enforcement sources said he also used several other names, including Abdur Rahman Shamim and “Kalandar Baba”.
According to police, an old video of the man containing remarks deemed offensive to Islam had recently circulated widely on social media, triggering anger in the area.
Kushtia’s superintendent of police, Mohammad Jasim Uddin, said tensions had been building since morning, with a protest programme planned in response to the video.
“We had prior information that there could be a reaction,” he said. “A human chain was scheduled, and we were in contact with organisers who assured us the situation would remain peaceful.”
However, the situation escalated rapidly when a large crowd—estimated at between 300 and 400 people—gathered at the site.
Police said they were present but outnumbered. Officers attempted to rescue the man, but he was attacked with both blunt and sharp weapons during the chaos.
Shamim was later taken to Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex, where he was declared dead on arrival.
A local health official said the body bore injuries consistent with both blunt force and sharp weapon.
Two of his followers were also critically injured in the attack and are currently undergoing treatment.
Witnesses and local sources said the mob not only targeted the man but also carried out widespread destruction at his shrine.
The site was ransacked, and parts of it were set ablaze, underscoring the intensity of the anger among those who had gathered.
Residents alleged that Shamim had long been a controversial presence in the area.
They claimed he made remarks about the Quran and core Islamic practices that many found offensive. Some also accused him of promoting an alternative belief system blending elements from different religions.
Police confirmed that he had previously faced legal action. In May 2021, a case was filed against him at Daulatpur Police Station on charges including hurting religious sentiments. He was arrested and spent a prolonged period in prison before being released.
Authorities said allegations persisted that he resumed similar activities after his release.
Police say they are now investigating both the killing and the circumstances that led to the renewed circulation of the video.
“We are looking into who spread the video and how it came back into focus,” said the police superintendent. “We have identified some individuals involved in the attack, but their names are not being disclosed at this stage.”
He added that authorities are also examining whether there were any political links behind the incident.
Following the violence, additional police personnel, along with members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been deployed in the area to maintain order.
Officials say the situation is now under control, though tensions remain.
The incident highlights the volatile mix of religious sentiment, misinformation, and mob violence—particularly when amplified through social media.
While investigations continue, the killing raises renewed questions about the ability of authorities to prevent such attacks, even when prior warnings exist, and about the rapid escalation of local grievances into deadly violence.
