A wave of nationwide criticism has erupted over an attack on the Shah Ali Baghdadi (RA) shrine in Mirpur, Dhaka. One side says the violence escalated during a law enforcement drive against long-standing drug trafficking in the shrine area. Another side claims the so-called “anti-drug operation” was a tactic to assert influence and seize control of businesses and economic assets surrounding the shrine.
Analysts say the incident also reflects efforts to establish political and ideological dominance.
Locals, however, believe the episode goes beyond extremism, drugs, or crime. They point to control of the shrine committee, extortion and financial interests, ideological and religious divisions, and the expansion of political influence. Influence over the shrine, control of followers, and financial transactions are also cited as key factors.
The shrine’s assets—worth thousands of crores of taka—have further intensified tensions. Following political changes, control over its influence network has repeatedly shifted hands.
Spirituality and the shrine economy
Stakeholders say adherence to the outward rules of Islam constitutes Shariah, a view emphasised by shrine opponents. Supporters, however, argue that Sufi saints transcend ritual formalism through spiritual discipline, remembrance (zikr), and meditation, attaining divine proximity and inner purification. Their shrines have long been regarded as sacred by devotees.
In South Asian Muslim societies, shrines are not only religious sites but also social, cultural, and economic hubs. Around them have developed mosques, maktabs, madrasas, libraries, markets, and business establishments, forming a significant economic ecosystem alongside spiritual life.
Over time, however, this space has become deeply contested. Critics allege superstition, blind faith, practices considered shirk, and even criminal networks have taken root in some areas, while devotees strongly defend their spiritual significance.
Conflicts involving criminal groups, influential factions, economic control, and social authority around shrines are not new. The issue has long been central to ideological divisions in sermons and public debates. One side sees shrines as Islamic heritage and Sufi tradition; the other considers them deviation from Islam. These tensions have periodically escalated into clashes, sometimes exploited by extremist groups.
The political connection is also deep-rooted. In Bangladesh, political leaders often begin major campaigns by visiting shrines of revered saints, turning them into symbols of legitimacy and public support.
Literature reflects this reality as well. Syed Waliullah’s Lalsalu portrays rural religious fear, superstition, and power structures—highlighting how belief, authority, and control intersect in social life.
Today, shrine-related debates in Bangladesh extend beyond religion into social psychology, crime dynamics, and political power structures.
<Shrine-centered crime>
Small and large shrines draw large crowds daily. Donations, vows, and cash transactions keep them active around the clock, creating an informal economy. This open environment also attracts vulnerable populations and, in some cases, facilitates criminal activity.
Law enforcement sources say drug consumption and retail dealing have become routine in some shrine areas. Transactions involving yaba, cannabis, phensedyl, ice, and other synthetic drugs are often carried out within crowded spaces. Dealers often escape during raids due to dense gatherings, while larger syndicates operate behind the scenes.
Not all shrines are affected, but in some areas, allegations suggest they are used as meeting points for extortion networks and criminal groups. Reports also cite use of these spaces for hiding illegal arms, recruiting members, controlling youth gangs, and coordinating illicit operations.
Fraudulent practices—including fake talismans, claims of supernatural healing, and exploitative services—have also been reported. Officials warn that crowded conditions increase risks of pickpocketing, robbery, and, in some cases, child disappearance or trafficking.
Struggle over assets worth thousands of crores
The Shah Ali shrine land includes warehouses, shops, and commercial structures, with over 100 workers employed in management. According to sources, the total land area is 32.14 acres (97.40 bighas), including 75 bighas of waqf property registered in the shrine’s name. However, locals claim only 5.76 acres remain under actual control.
Irregularities are also reported in the allocation of shops and commercial spaces built on waqf land worth thousands of crores of taka. Extortion in these markets has reportedly become routine, with allegations of political protection. Control shifts with changing political power, while authorities are accused of inaction over corruption and mismanagement.
A long-running power struggle involving local political leaders and criminal groups has shaped control over the property. A High Court writ was filed in 2022 over the matter.
'Tawhidi Janta’ controversy
Several observers say attackers of religious sites are often labelled “Tawhidi Janta” to serve vested interests, portraying violence as spontaneous religious outrage while concealing organised actors.
SUM Abdus Samad, Secretary General of the Sunni political party Bangladesh Islamic Front, told Bangla Tribune that the first shrine attack after the August 5, 2024 political change occurred in Laksham, Cumilla. He said attacks on shrines began appearing nationwide after the change of government and questioned why religious sites were targeted immediately after the transition.
He said “Tawhid” means belief in the oneness of God in Islamic terminology, but there is no recognised group called “Tawhidi Janta.” He alleged the term is being used to obscure organised or political identities.
He added that shrine attacks cannot be explained only as religious disputes, pointing instead to ideological opposition to Sufism, attempts to weaken spiritual leadership, and efforts to create fear and instability. He noted the historical role of Sufi saints in spreading Islam in Bangladesh.
On allegations of criminal activity in shrines, he said such matters must be handled by law enforcement, not citizens.
On the Mirpur incident, he noted that while several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have denied involvement, comments by local MP Meer Ahmad Bin Qasem (Barrister Arman) raised questions about possible local involvement.
He urged the government to prosecute crimes linked to shrines, identify attackers, strengthen monitoring against religious violence, and stop divisive politics.
Engineer Abdul Hannan Al Hadi, Chairman of the Islamic Intellectuals Front, also condemned the attack, saying violence against religious sites is unacceptable. He said that if allegations of un-Islamic activity exist, the proper response is administrative action, not violence.
He added that issues such as drug use or immoral activity must be addressed by authorities. He called for both protection of shrines and enforcement of law in surrounding areas.
Jamaat denies involvement
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called for a fair, impartial, and credible investigation into the Mirpur incident and accountability for those responsible.
Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Department Secretary Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer told Bangla Tribune that Jamaat has no involvement in the incident and has already clarified its position. He said allegations against the party are baseless and part of a propaganda campaign.
“We do not know those involved. The allegations against Jamaat-e-Islami are completely unproven and unfounded,” he said.
Police information and investigation
According to police data, 68 shrine attacks were reported nationwide between August 5, 2024 and April 2026. Seventy people have been arrested. During the same period, 40 general diaries (GDs) and 27 cases were filed over shrine-related threats.
Of these, charge sheets have been submitted in nine cases, six cases were closed for lack of evidence, and 12 remain under investigation.
A case has been filed over the Mirpur Shah Ali Baghdadi (RA) shrine attack, said Shah Ali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jahangir Alam. He told Bangla Tribune that three suspects were arrested after CCTV analysis and remanded for two days, with interrogation ongoing over motive and political links.
TIB statement
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “shameless and cowardly act” and part of a continuing pattern of violence against pluralism, religious diversity, and cultural inclusiveness in the post-July movement period.
He said the incident is not isolated. Earlier attacks on Baul singers, spiritual practitioners, and shrines, if properly investigated and punished, could have prevented further incidents.
On political responsibility, he said denial alone is not enough. He called for clear positions from Jamaat and other Islamist political organisations on cultural and religious diversity, along with action against accused members. He urged the government to ensure a credible investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
