Democratic United Front protests attack on Shah Ali shrine

The Mirpur branch of the Democratic United Front has held a protest rally demanding the arrest and trial of those involved in the attack on the shrine of Hazrat Shah Ali Bogdadi (R.A.) in the capital's Mirpur area.

The programme was held on the shrine premises on Friday, May 15, and was attended by left-leaning political leaders and representatives of various organisations.

Speakers at the rally alleged that despite repeated attacks on shrines, dargahs, khanqahs and other cultural and religious sites across the country, a lack of effective administrative action and justice has allowed such incidents to continue.

They said the culture of impunity and political patronage of certain extremist groups has made them increasingly reckless, posing a threat to the country's social harmony and cultural diversity.

The attack on the Shah Ali shrine is not just an assault on a religious site but an attack on the country's pluralistic culture, coexistence and freedom of expression, the rally added.

The speakers called upon the government to ensure the swift arrest and exemplary punishment of the attackers and to take strict measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Among those present at the rally were Bangladesh JSD General Secretary Nazmul Haque Pradhan, Basad (Marxist) Central Executive Forum member Rashed Shahriar, Basad Mirpur regional leader Nasir Uddin Prince, and CPB leader Riaz Uddin.