One person was killed and over a hundred others injured during a violent mob attack at the shrine of Nurul Haque, also known as “Nural Pagla,” in Goalanda, Rajbari, on Friday. In connection with the attack, police have filed a case against 3,500 unidentified individuals for vandalizing a police vehicle during the assault.
The clashes, which erupted after Jummah prayers, saw followers of Nural Pagla face off with the attackers, resulting in the fatalities and injuries. At least 10 to 12 police officers were wounded while trying to control the mob, and several law enforcement vehicles were damaged. The case was lodged late Friday night by Sub-Inspector Selim Molla at Goalanda Ghat Police Station, confirmed Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Rakibul Islam.
In a shocking turn, the attackers reportedly exhumed the body of Nurul Haque from his grave inside the shrine compound and set it on fire.
Locals said Nurul Haque, who had declared himself the prophesied Islamic figure “Imam Mahdi,” died on August 23. His followers buried him within the shrine premises, building a 10–12 foot black structure resembling the Kaaba, which sparked outrage among many Muslims who considered it a violation of Islamic tradition.
Tensions had been rising for days, culminating in Friday’s protest march under the banner of “Iman -Akida Preservation Committee” , which spiraled into arson and vandalism.
The interim government condemned the desecration and burning of the body, describing it as a “barbaric and inhumane crime.” Additional police forces remain deployed at the site as large numbers of onlookers continue to gather near the destroyed shrine.