Vandalism and burning at an shrine in Noakhali resulted in 10 injuries. In Noakhali’s Sadar Upazila, a group of attackers vandalized and set fire to the shrine of Shah Sufi Ayub Ali Darbesh, leaving at least 10 people injured. The attack took place around 3:30 PM on Thursday under the banner of “Tawhidi Janata”, according to eyewitnesses. During the attack, the entire shrine, including the structure for the annual Urs festival, was demolished, and a tin-roofed house was set on fire.
Vandalism and burning at an shrine: Upon receiving the news, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Noakhali Sadar Upazila, Sudharam Police, and members of the army arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Sudharam Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Kamrul Islam confirmed these details on Thursday night.
Tension Over Urs Festival Led to Attack
According to police and eyewitnesses, preparations were underway for the 57th annual Urs festival at the shrine in Munshir Taluk village, Kaladarap Union. On the same day, an Islamic gathering (Waz Mahfil) was announced nearby at the Soleman Market area under the Tawhidi Janata banner. Tension had been brewing in the area since the morning regarding these events. Around 3:30 PM, a crowd of over a thousand people, armed with sticks, attacked and vandalized the shrine. At least 10 people, including women, were injured during the incident and received local medical treatment.
Local Chairman’s Statement on the Conflict
Kaladarap Union Parishad Chairman, Shahadat Ullah Seli, stated that Urs celebrations at shrines typically involve musical instruments such as drums, which disturb local residents. Since the shrine is located next to the Munshir Taluk village mosque, the noise from the festival makes it difficult for villagers to sleep at night. He mentioned that local residents, mosque imams, and worshippers had previously requested him to stop the Urs. Although he had urged the organizers not to hold the event this year, they did not comply. When the Urs began on Thursday afternoon, a crowd of around 1,500 people attacked and vandalized the shrine.
Authorities’ Response
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shah Nawaz Tanvir stated that the attack and vandalism occurred before law enforcement arrived at the scene. However, the situation is now under control, and the administration is working to maintain peace and order in the area by communicating with local worshippers.
OC Kamrul Islam of Sudharam Model Police Station confirmed that local residents were responsible for vandalizing the shrine. He added that although army and police personnel were present, they were unable to contain the attack due to the large crowd of over 1,500 people. Given the tension surrounding the Urs from Thursday morning, a police patrol team had already been deployed in the area. However, when the festival proceeded despite warnings, the attack occurred.
Authorities have stated that legal action will be taken based on a formal complaint and subsequent investigation.
