"Silence of Sylhet shattered"

Three incidents in just two days have sparked intense discussions, unsettling the once-peaceful Sylhet. The law and order situation, as well as the general environment, are now under scrutiny, leaving many concerned and anxious.

The incidents in question include the removal of the "Bangabandhu Mural" in front of the District Commissioner's office, the arrest of a police officer over allegations of desecrating the Holy Quran, and a councilor securing bail in five cases in a single day.

Many peace-loving residents of Sylhet believe that rising above political biases and working together—both political parties and law enforcement agencies—can help restore harmony in the region.

The Removal of Bangabandhu’s Mural

On the night of January 30, the mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, installed in front of the District Commissioner’s office, was demolished. The following day, at a "Shukrana" (thanksgiving) gathering by the Tawhidi Kafela, it was claimed that the mural had been removed due to pressure from Islamic scholars and religious groups.

District Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad acknowledged the incident but stated that he was unaware of who had demolished the mural during the night.

Earlier, on January 9, under the banner of Sylhet’s Tawhidi Janata, a protest rally had been held in the city demanding the removal of the Bangabandhu mural within three days. Several demonstrations followed, reiterating the demand.

Protesters argued that no sculptures should be allowed on Sylhet’s land, even citing an instance where another sculpture of Sheikh Mujib inside Sylhet Cantonment had been covered with fabric, demanding its removal as well.

The Shukrana gathering was presided over by Tawhidi Kafela’s convenor, Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. Among the speakers were former Sylhet City Corporation mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis’ Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Rezaul Karim Jalali, Metropolitan BNP acting president Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi, Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) Tawhidi Kafela’s member secretary Maulana Shah Momshad Ahmad, Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s central organizational secretary Mahmudul Hasan, Metropolitan Jamiat Ulamaye Islam president Maulana Khalilur Rahman, Metropolitan Imam Association president Maulana Habib Ahmad Shihab, and Metropolitan Qawmi Madrasa Unity Council coordinator Maulana Syed Shamim Ahmad, among others. The gathering was moderated by Maulana Niamat Ullah Khasdabiri and Mufti Rashid Ahmad.

The Alleged Desecration of the Quran by a Policeman

The second major incident occurred on January 31 at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.). Local residents accused a constable from the Tourist Police, stationed at the shrine’s gate, of making derogatory remarks about the shrine and religion, along with three other police officers. When a bystander protested, the situation escalated, drawing a large crowd, including students from the nearby Dargah Madrasa, who detained the four police officers.

Senior police officials and Metropolitan BNP’s acting president Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi later intervened, restoring order and rescuing the detained officers.

Metropolitan Police’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media), Mohammad Saiful Islam, confirmed an ongoing investigation, assuring that appropriate legal action would be taken if the allegations against the officer were proven true.

The Controversial Bail of a Former Councilor

The third unexpected event revolved around the bail of Rezwan Ahmad, a former councilor of Ward No. 5 of Sylhet City Corporation, in five different cases—including charges related to explosives, weapons, and attempted murder.

Following his bail approval, BNP leaders and activists confronted him on the court premises, questioning why BNP-affiliated lawyers would represent someone they deemed a collaborator of an oppressive regime. A commotion ensued as they challenged the role of BNP-backed public prosecutors in his legal proceedings.

Later, Metropolitan BNP acting president and former councilor Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi intervened and escorted Rezwan Ahmad out of the courtroom safely.

The incident quickly spread across social media, with outraged BNP supporters questioning the loyalty of their party's legal representatives. Many expressed frustration, recalling years of oppression, and accused certain leaders of prioritizing money over party values, despite the BNP not yet returning to power. Some reminded others of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s speeches, implying that party principles were being compromised.

These three incidents have stirred Sylhet, challenging its reputation for peace and stability. As the situation unfolds, the question remains: Will political and religious leaders work together to restore order, or will tensions continue to escalate?