Three shrines in Dhamrai upazila of Savar, Dhaka were attacked during the interim government’s tenure, but police have yet to arrest any suspects despite multiple cases being filed. While one shrine has resumed activities after renovation, the remaining two are still closed.
Information gathered from police and shrine authorities on Friday reveals that investigations into the incidents are ongoing.
On the night of January 23, 2025, a group of locals halted Urs activities at the shrine of Shukur Ali Shah Fakir in Arjun Nalai area of Gangutia Union, alleging ‘anti-Sharia activities’. The group later vandalized the shrine, destroying two graves and a tin-roofed house, and damaging another structure.
Locals alleged that leaders and activists of Dhamrai Ulama Parishad and Imam Parishad were present during the attack.
The following day, the victim’s family filed a case with Dhamrai Police Station, naming 12 individuals and accusing 700–800 unidentified persons.
Earlier, on September 11, 2024, miscreants carried out a two-hour-long attack on the shrine of Buchai Pagla (Rah.) in Batulia area along the Kalampur–Saturia regional road. Law enforcement and local administration later brought the situation under control.
Nearly six months after the incident, on January 23 this year, a Dhaka court directed police, suo motu, to register a formal case against those involved.
In another incident, the Barkat Maa shrine in Islampur area was vandalized on the evening of September 12, 2024. The shrine has remained inactive since then.
A recent visit found that the Buchai Pagla shrine has been renovated and its activities resumed. However, no suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.
Delwar Hossain, president of the shrine’s management committee, said they had provided names of suspects and video evidence to police. “Many attackers can be identified from the footage, but no one has been arrested yet. We seek justice,” he said.
In contrast, the shrine of Shukur Ali Shah Fakir remains in a dilapidated condition more than a year after the attack. Financial hardship and fear have hindered reconstruction.
Monowar Hossain, a relative of the shrine’s caretaker, alleged that they faced threats after filing the case. “We are poor and unable to pursue the case. This year’s Urs was limited to Milad and food distribution only,” he said.
The Barkat Maa shrine was also found abandoned, still bearing visible signs of vandalism. Locals said its activities have not resumed since the attack.
Dhamrai Police Inspector (Investigation) Shahidul Islam confirmed that cases have been filed in all three incidents but no arrests have been made so far.
“Investigations are ongoing at different stages. Currently, there is no threat to the shrines,” he said.
