Smoke still seen rising from shrine, injured in extreme fear

A religious leader, identified as Pir Shamim Reza alias Jahangir, was hacked to death in a violent mob attack in Daulatpur over allegations of religious disrespect, leaving the area tense.

The incident has triggered ongoing unrest, with witnesses reporting that parts of the shrine complex remain damaged and smoke was still seen rising from the burned structures a day after the attack.

Local sources said two semi-pucca buildings within the shrine were completely gutted, with debris and broken furniture scattered across the site. Heavy police deployment remains in place to prevent further escalation.

The victim’s elder brother, Fazlur Rahman, said he witnessed the killing. “I saw my brother being hacked in front of my eyes. Over a hundred people attacked the shrine, dragged him from the second floor, and struck him repeatedly,” he said.

He added that if there were allegations, the matter should have been handled legally rather than through violence.

Daulatpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer said the victim was brought to hospital in critical condition but died within minutes due to excessive blood loss.

Doctors said several injured victims remain in severe psychological trauma and are reluctant to speak publicly.

According to locals, tensions escalated after a video allegedly containing derogatory remarks about religion circulated on social media. Following this, a group gathered on Saturday morning before launching the attack on the shrine.

Eyewitnesses said attackers vandalised the premises and set fire to parts of the shrine before killing the Pir Shamim. At least five to seven people were also injured in the violence, officials said.

The body has been sent to Kushtia General Hospital morgue for autopsy, and will be buried after completion of legal procedures.

Authorities said security has been tightened in the area as investigations continue.