Letter found in Hazrat Shahjalal Shrine’s cauldron praying for Sheikh Hasina’s return to country

A letter seeking a long life and a safe return to the country for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been recovered from a traditional cauldron (deg) at the historic shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) in Sylhet.

The letter was found during the counting of money after three cauldrons and three donation boxes on the shrine premises were opened in the presence of administrative officials and ordinary citizens on Saturday morning (August 15).

The note offered prayers to Allah to save Sheikh Hasina from the "face of death" and to extend her lifespan. It also appealed for her protection from "conspiratorial cases" filed following the July movement, as well as the release of Awami League leaders and activists from "false murder cases."

The letter was signed by an individual identifying himself as "Sajeeb," who noted that he is a resident of Gazipur and a supporter of the Sylhet Awami League.

Wishing for her longevity, the letter states, "O Allah, You are the Great! Please decrease our lifespan and increase the lifespan of our beloved leader Sheikh Hasina."

Beneath the heading "Return-2," the phrase "Sheikh Hasina December-2026" was also written, alongside prayers for bringing Sheikh Hasina back to the country and safeguarding her from ongoing legal charges.

Apart from a significant amount of cash, several other letters addressing personal and family matters were also discovered inside the shrine's cauldrons and donation boxes during the counting process.

Shrine authorities stated that 30 volunteers participated in counting the funds from the three cauldrons and three donation boxes. Due to the large volume of cash, the counting process lasted throughout the day and concluded in the evening.