TIB demands exemplary punishment for Shah Ali shrine attackers

TIB demands exemplary punishment for Shah Ali shrine attackers

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned the attack on Dhaka's historic Shah Ali shrine, calling it contrary to the spirit of Bangladesh's independence and the July uprising, and has demanded exemplary punishment for those involved.

The organisation also urged the government to take strict action to ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators. Additionally, TIB called on Jamaat-e-Islami and other religion-based political parties and organisations to clarify their stance on Bangladesh's folk traditions, cultural diversity and coexistence.

In a statement on Saturday, May 16, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the attack on the Shah Ali shrine is contrary to the spirit of Bangladesh's independence and the July uprising. He described the incident as not isolated but a planned attempt to destroy the country's liberal folk traditions and diverse cultural practices by spreading hatred and communalism.

"The rise of anti-folk tradition forces during the interim government's tenure after the fall of authoritarianism through the blood-soaked July uprising, and the series of violent attacks on pluralism, multi-religious and cultural diversity across the country, cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents," Dr Iftekharuzzaman said.

He said the current government has the responsibility to protect Bangladesh's glorious tradition of multiculturalism and multi-religious harmony and to ensure religious freedom. He called for a fair and impartial investigation into the Shah Ali shrine attack to ensure strict punishment for those involved. He also noted that the failure to prosecute past attacks on Bauls, mystics and shrines has led to the recurrence of such incidents.

TIB also stated that religion-based political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, need to clarify their stance on coexistence of Bangladesh's cultural, spiritual and social diversity alongside the spirit of independence and the July uprising. The organisation also demanded effective action against any leaders or activists of these parties accused of direct or indirect involvement in the attack.

TIB believes that under the Bangladesh Constitution, people of all races, religions, castes and faiths have the right to practice their own religions and cultures. Ensuring that right is the responsibility of the government as well as all political parties and organisations represented inside and outside parliament.