'Pir' killed in mob attack on shrine in Kushtia, 3 injured

A 'pir' has been killed and three others injured in an attack and arson at his shrine in Daulatpur, Kushtia. He was the head of the shrine. The deceased has been identified as Abdul Rahman, 65, also known as Shameem, who was the head of the shrine.

The attack took place on Saturday, April 11, at the 'Shameem Baba Darbar Sharif' in the Darogar Mor area of Filipnagar union under Daulatpur upazila.

According to locals, tension spread in the area following allegations of derogatory remarks about religion. At one point, an angry mob attacked the shrine, carrying out widespread vandalism and setting it on fire. Shameem and several others were seriously injured.

A fire service team arrived at the scene and brought the blaze under control. Police also reached the spot and took control of the situation, with security in the area subsequently being stepped up.

The injured were taken to Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex, where duty doctors declared Shameem dead. He was a resident of South Filipnagar village in Filipnagar union.

Family Planning Officer of the upazila health complex, Touhidul Hasan Tuhin, said four people were brought to the hospital in injured condition. One of them died, and the others are receiving treatment.

Daulatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Arifur Rahman said he is on leave but aware of the matter.

Later, the police station's Inspector (Investigation) Sheikh Mohammad Ali Mortuza said police are present at the scene and working to bring the situation under control. Further details will be provided later, he added.