Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly condemned the attack on the historic Shah Ali Shrine in Dhaka, describing the incident as contrary to the core spirit and objectives of Bangladesh’s independence and the July Uprising.
In a statement issued on Saturday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman demanded strict government action to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible.
“This shameless and cowardly attack reflects the rise of forces opposed to Bangladesh’s folk heritage … as well as the continued violent and conspiratorial acts against pluralism, religious diversity, and cultural diversity across the country,” he said.
“There is no scope to consider this an isolated incident. Rather, it is part of a far-reaching plan to spread hatred and violence, destroy the spaces and means of practicing the liberal folk traditions and cultural diversity of the Bengali people, and strengthen communal forces. This is a grave warning for all citizens who uphold free thought and tolerance.”
Iftekharuzzaman noted that the current BNP government was elected with overwhelming public support as a force representing the core spirit of Bangladesh’s independence and the July Uprising.
“Therefore, alongside fulfilling expectations regarding the country’s glorious tradition of multiculturalism, religious freedom, and coexistence of social, spiritual, and cultural diversity, it is the government’s responsibility to prevent such destructive activities,” he said.
He urged the government to conduct a fair and impartial investigation to identify those involved and ensure exemplary accountability through strict punishment.
“Had there been even minimal examples of justice in previous attacks on Bauls, mystics, and shrines, the incident at Shah Ali Shrine could perhaps have been avoided,” he added.
Regarding allegations of involvement, TIB called on Jamaat-e-Islami and other religion-based political parties to clarify their policy positions on Bangladesh’s folk heritage, cultural diversity, and the right to coexistence.
“It is not enough for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami merely to deny the allegations of involvement by its activists,” Iftekharuzzaman said.
He demanded that they adopt effective measures to restrain any leaders or activists against whom allegations of direct or indirect involvement in the crime have been raised.
TIB stated that the Constitution guarantees every individual the right to preserve and practice their own faith, religion, and culture, and ensuring this right is the responsibility not only of the government but also of all political parties and organizations.
