Security tightened at Sylhet shrines

Devotees of shrines in Sylhet are deeply concerned following the recent attacks and vandalism at two shrines, sparking widespread discussion on social media. While some have supported the vandalism, many have expressed outrage. In response, the government has strengthened security at shrines nationwide, with enhanced measures also implemented in Sylhet. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed District Administrators to take steps to ensure peace and order at the shrines.

This directive was issued by the ministry's agency-2 branch in a letter on Sunday (September 15).

The most recent incident of shrine vandalism in Sylhet occurred on Friday morning (September 13). On that day, miscreants destroyed the shrine of Shah Sufi Abdul Qayyum Chishti in the Bateshwar Chuarbahar area of Khadimpara Union under Shahparan Police Station in Sylhet.

According to local residents, after Fajr prayers, a group of people used hammers to demolish the shrine, its walls, and several graves. The signboard at the entrance, which read "Maulana Shah Sufi Abdul Qayyum Chishti Jalalabadi (Rh.) Mazar Sharif," was also destroyed. The attackers ripped apart the cloth covering the grave and arrived at the scene on motorcycles and private cars.

On September 8, an attack took place at the Shah Paran (Rh) shrine during the annual procession, late into the night. Upon hearing the news, hundreds of people from Haripur in Jaintapur upazila, armed with sticks, rushed to the scene. They rescued members of the Alem society who had taken refuge in a mosque and then attacked the shrine devotees, destroying their tents. In the ensuing clash between both groups, 30-35 people were injured, with at least five suffering serious injuries. An army team arrived around 4:30 am and brought the situation under control.

Following the clash, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shah Paran Police Station, Harun-or-Rashid Chowdhury, stated, "A clash occurred between some fakirs and representatives of the alem community at the shrine. There was some vandalism as both sides threw stones at each other. The individuals involved have not yet been identified, and no case has been filed regarding the incident."

Accusing the shrines of harboring anti-social activities, some members of the alem society have called for a ban on singing and music within these sacred spaces. In response, security measures have been strengthened at Sylhet's major shrines—Hazrat Shahjalal and Shah Paran (Rh). The police are actively monitoring the area, ready to prevent any disturbances. This heightened security follows a recent warning issued by police headquarters to stations nationwide.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad stated, "I have not yet received the letter from the ministry, but once it arrives, all necessary steps will be taken as per the instructions."